This conference focuses upon various aspects of testing within a society, and upon technical advances in measurement. Philip H. DuBois's paper deals with China, a society dominated by tests, from 1115 BC--1905 AD. Donald W. Fiske discusses the effect of testing on the individual in modern America in his paper, "The Subject Looks at…

Statistical methods, called latent variable models, have been developed to provide rigorous tests of theories involving unobserved variables. This paper describes the major types of latent variable models, shows how they can be applied in educational research, and gives representative examples of their use from the literature. (Author/BW)

There are currently three main approaches to parameter estimation in item response theory (IRT): (1) joint maximum likelihood, exemplified by LOGIST, yielding maximum likelihood estimates; (2) marginal maximum likelihood, exemplified by BILOG, yielding maximum likelihood estimates of item parameters (ability parameters can be estimated…

A review of model-selection criteria is presented, suggesting their similarities. Some problems treated by hypothesis tests may be more expeditiously treated by the application of model-selection criteria. Multivariate analysis, cluster analysis, and factor analysis are considered. (Author/GDC)

First- and second-round commentaries on an article by L. Guttman are presented. The following authors responded, with two articles each: (1) E. E. Roskam and J. Ellis; (2) P. H. Schonemann; (3) A. R. Jensen; (4) J. C. Loehlin; and (5) J.-E. Gustafsson. (SLD)

Summarizes the current state of the art in test construction and contrasts it with previous conceptual models, some of which are wrong or misleading. New methodologies for item selection and review are presented, with current thinking on the specification of technical characteristics of tests. (Author/SLD)

The testing of a priori contrasts, post hoc contrasts, and experimental error rates are discussed. Methods for controlling the experimental error rate for a set of a priori contrasts tested simultaneously have been developed by Dunnett, Dunn, Sidak, and Krishnaiah. Each of these methods is discussed and contrasted as to applicability, power, and…

The use of statistical methods to combine the results of independent empirical research studies (metanalysis) has a long history, with work mainly divided into tests of the statistical significance of combined results and methods for combining estimates across studies. Methods of metanalysis and their applications are reviewed. (SLD)

Argues that Jensen's article contains an inaccurate and misleading account of Spearman's work and distorts the basic concepts of factor analysis. The target article has failed in all its main objectives; its major failing is a result of the irrelevance of factor analysis to the study of group differences. (SLD)

The theoretical rationales and procedures of five adaptive computer-based instruction models were reviewed: the mathematical model, the regression model, the Bayesian probabilistic model, the testing and branching model, and artificially intelligent instructional systems. Each model is assessed for contrast of methods and forms, identifiable…

While some forms of test bias (for example, bias in selection and prediction) appear amenable to definitional consensus, a definition of cultural bias will remain problematic so long as it is confused with the nature/nurture issue. (Author/BW)

Explores optimal foraging theory, derived from evolutionary ecology, for its potential to clarify and operationalize studies of scholarly communication. Metaphorical parallels between subsistence foragers and scholarly information seekers are drawn. Hypotheses to test the models are recommended. The place of ethnographic and bibliometric…

Alternative mathematical models for scoring and decision making with criterion referenced tests are described, especially as they concern appropriate test length and methods of establishing statistically valid cutting scores. Several of these approaches are reviewed and compared on formal-analytic and empirical grounds: (1) Block's approach to…