The sequence of development as hypothesized by Piaget has been confirmed for various groups of children by cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Such consistency has increased interest in constructing scales based on Piaget's theory according to psychometric principles. Three major problems are discussed which present definite obstacles in the…

Investigates the possibility of repeated tests to demonstrate competency. Three competency tasks were administered to 89 college students. Students failing to demonstrate competency on one or more tasks on an initial test were retested only on those tasks. All students later were given a delayed retest. (HM)

This research investigated the use of the Rasch simple logistic model in obtaining test-free ability estimates. Raw-score ability estimates were influenced by the difficulty of the items used in measurement but Rasch ability estimates were relatively independent of the item difficulty. (Author/CTM)

The purpose for which a test is needed is the most important criterion for deciding which type of student assessment tool should be used. Standardized tests were developed as sorting instruments based upon certain views of knowledge and learning. Educators, according to their own values, must either bring standardized tests more into line with…

Investigates the power of a macropropositional model of comprehension for a complex social interaction (a rape interrogation) to predict accurate recall by both individuals and groups. The findings are considered in relation to strategic models of discourse comprehension, and the implications for future social psychological research are discussed.…

Concludes that the Spanish Oral Reading Test can be a useful tool for teachers who need to estimate the reading levels of immigrant children. (FL)

The impact of computerized adaptive test (CAT) administration formats on student performance was studied with 645 medical technology students who also took a paper-and-pencil test. Analysis of covariance indicates no significant interactions among test administration formats and provides evidence for adjusting CAT test to more familiar modalities.…

The emergence of computerized adaptive tests (CATs), which customize assessment for each individual, may mean more efficient testing. A CAT version of the Graduate Record Examination is in production. Critics have many questions about the technique, which is based on item response theory. (MSE)

Students at two age levels were given paper and pencil mathematics tests as well as individually administered practical tests. Test development and administration are discussed, and some results of the experiment are presented. (SD)

This study tested the predictive ability of MMPI scales to identify United States Air Force Academy freshmen who were "high risk" for problems of emotional adjustment and subsequent separation from the Academy. Rate of attrition and problems in emotional adaptation leading to separation were significantly greater in the high-risk group…

Coventional true score approaches to criterion-referenced tests are not applicable when tests are used for classification. Criterion-referenced testing is now used frequently for educational decision making. The assumption is made that these instruments are to be considered as tests designed to classify into "mastery" and "non-mastery" groups,…

A study was conducted to determine whether students could self-administer, self-score, and self-interpret the California Occupational Preference Survey (COPS) with the aid of a multi-media device as effectively as similar students could take the survey in the conventional group method which involves counselor administration, scoring, and…

The Behavior Rating Scale measures behavioral skills by observing the child during the administration of other tests. The rating dimensions include independence, concentration, tractability, attitude and disposition toward testing, and overflow behavior. All are scored on a scale of 0-4, low to high. (PR)

Computer-assisted test construction is a simple, inexpensive natural complement to computer-based test scoring. Parallel tests can be made for individually-paced instruction, and the computer can produce feedback to improve item quality. The adaptability of computer-assisted test construction means that its introduction will likely be accepted by…