Both the attenuation paradox of traditional test theory and the assumption of local independence in person-item response theory have caused problems in interpretation. This paper demonstrates that the two are related concepts, and, through this demonstration, both are clarified. It is demonstrated that the breakdown of local independence leads to…

This paper points out that there are certain generalizations about directions for guessing and methods of scoring that require that data be derived from random groups design. It supports the viewpoint that it is neither sufficient nor appropriate to make such generalizations on the basis of an analysis of scores obtained from the answer sheets of…

The Research Services of the National Education Association (NEA) conducted a nationwide teacher opinion poll (TOP) based upon a stratified disproportionate two-state cluster sample of classroom teachers. This research study was conducted to test the hypothesis that the order of presentation of items would make no difference in the conclusions…

Two studies examined second- through fifth-grade children's negative-item bias with responses to the Self Description Questionnaire and how it is related to cognitive development and reading achievement. Results showed that younger children and poorer readers responded less appropriately to negative items, thus biasing the interpretations of their…

Extended caution indices (ECI) specify the degree of confidence that can be placed in an individual's test score by analyzing patterns of item response. Among the most promising of such indices are the standardized ECIs. Contrary to the literature, several instances were found, in a previous study, of nonnormal distributions of ECIs with samples…

The development, testing, and modification of an instrument to measure attitude change toward economic issues among economics students is described in this paper. It was initially hypothesized that a continuum of attitudes to economic issues existed, ranging from extreme interventionist ideas at one end to extreme laisez-faire at the other end,…

To show the difficulty of eliminating test bias and to develop a methodology for distinguishing between the effects of prior knowledge and of skill development on reading comprehension, 207 eighth grade students from rural and urban areas were administered an 18-question reading comprehension test. Quantitative and qualitative effects of prior…

This technical manual is presented to assist those using the Audit of Principal Effectiveness, an 80-statement evaluation instrument designed to determine teachers' perceptions of principals' effectiveness, allow principals to obtain feedback from teachers regarding strengths and weaknesses, and provide a useful tool for researchers studying…

Tests of spatial ability were analyzed for their analog (visuospatial) and nonanalog (verbal reasoning) components, using factor analyses of items and test scores. The self-selected sample consisted of over 2000 clients (average age about 26 or 27) employing the Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation's aptitude evaluation services in 12 metropolitan…