Based on findings of previous research, this project developed, implemented, and examined the effect of instructional materials and procedures designed to eliminate the influence on test scores of the following four factors: (1) differential levels of test-taking skills on the part of students; (2) student's lack of familiarity with and consequent…

This study investigated the transfer of solution strategies between close variants of quantitative reasoning questions. Pre- and posttests were obtained from 406 college undergraduates, all of whom took the same posttest; pretests varied such that one group of participants saw close variants of one set of posttest items while other groups saw…

The definitions of and literature on test speededness are reviewed, and factors and areas in which the tests reveal their strengths and limitations are discussed. The focus of this article is on speeded reading comprehension tests used for entry or re-entry placement in postsecondary institutions. Speeded tests were prompted by the accelerating…

A study focused on teaching students to write effectively in time-pressure situations, particularly on essay exams. Thirteen sections of freshman composition (205 students) were divided into two treatment groups. Half of the classes completed the exam-taking unit in a standard freshman text. The other half of the classes worked through an inquiry…

Four commercial test preparation programs were evaluated for their effectiveness in increasing scores of elementary school student on standardized multiple-choice tests. Focus was on determining whether: formal training increases students' test-taking skills, students can generalize the test wiseness strategies to improve their scores on…

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the English language proficiency of foreign students who apply for higher education in the United States. It is administered according to a strict schedule through the International and Special Center (I&SC) testing program or at ad hoc intervals by institutional users as part of the…

The beneficial effects of changing an answer on a multiple choice test were examined for elementary school students, with particular emphasis on the answer-changing behavior of minority versus non-minority groups and high-income versus low-income students. Test booklets from students in grade 2 and answer sheets from students in grades 4, 6, and 8…

J. D. Bransford's tetrahedral model of learning considers four variables: (1) learning activities, (2) characteristics of the learner, (3) criterial tasks, and (4) the nature of the materials. Bransford's model provides a research-based theoretical framework that can be used to teach, model, and have students apply a variety of study strategies to…

To determine whether students have study strategies that they can transfer to future learning tasks, a research study used a content-based model--the Supportive Seminar--a voluntary content review session held by a leader enrolled in a targeted college course for freshmen. The leader acts as a role model for the students by attending all lectures,…

The validity of combining a correction for guessing with the Nedelsky-based cutscore was investigated. A five option multiple choice Mathematics Achievement Test was used in the study. Items were selected to meet several criteria. These included: the capability of measuring mathematics concepts related to performance in introductory statistics;…

Differences between four test-independent components of testwiseness and their relative importance were studied in a quasi-experimental investigation of their effects. The components were: (1) time-using training; (2) error-avoidance training; (3) guessing training; and (4) deductive-reasoning training. Three parallel forms of a 30-item test were…

This book discusses tricks for answering questions on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The tricks are based on an analysis of 12 editions of the LSAT which have been made public pursuant to New York's Truth in Testing Law. Sample LSAT questions published by the Law School Admission Council are referenced to exemplify the tricks' applications…

This book discusses tricks for answering questions on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The tricks are based on an analysis of 20 editions of the GMAT which have been made public pursuant to New York's Truth in Testing Law. Sample GMAT questions published by the Graduate Management Admission Council are referenced to exemplify the…

Designed for the beginning college student who needs to search for information, prepare written assignments, or take tests, the ACC (Austin Community College) Study Guide Series comprises 17 one-page study guides. Printed on card stock with colored headings, the guides are highlighted with cartoon illustrations and are intended to provide…

Designed to help students develop efficient and effective study skills, the first of five sections in this booklet discusses the student role, including the overall purpose of a course of study, the student's obligations and responsibilities, ways in which a student is expected to develop, and the importance of organization. The second section…