Two-phase testing assesses individual performance (phase 1) and then allows collaborative learning within small groups (phase 2). While groups typically outperform individuals, less is known about the social decision schemes that influence member collaboration. In a classroom setting, we compared individual and group performance on a standard test…

This study looks at the real and perceived effects of inter-candidate variation in linguistic ability during pair-tested oral examinations in a southern Italian context. Pair testing has not been taken up in schools and universities in southern Italy despite its wide use in international testing systems. Colleagues and prospective candidates often…

This study sought to determine how students would describe their group-only cooperative testing experiences in terms of key elements of cooperative learning often cited in the literature. Written comments of 159 graduate students were analyzed and 26 related categories of comments were derived from 495 statements of students enrolled in two…

Having all students in a group respond to every question, rather than addressing questions to one student at a time, resulted in better behavior and content achievement among third graders. (Editor)

The study involving 30 educable mentally retarded children (8 to 12 years old) was designed to analyze the effect of the presence of others on three psychomotor measures from the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Special Fitness Test. (SB)

Young adults, middle-aged, and old persons (n=150) participated in a study of creativity and age. Results showed age differences in creativity to the disadvantage of the old. Reduced speed of information processing, lower level of complexity, and decreased willingness to risk original solutions by age are offered as explanations. (Author/AS)

The findings of this paper suggest that when students encounter a situation in which they can benefit by cheating, those who score lowest on the exam are least able to resist the temptation to cheat. Exam scores for 459 beginning psychology students were examined. Each student took four exams, but only on the third was copying made impossible. The…

The research questions whether many tests used by employers for employee selection do discriminate inadvertantly. Because sub-groups or minority groups tend to be culturally disadvantaged, standardized tests have many shortcomings. When used as selection devices standardized tests may: (1) not provide reliable differentiation in the range of the…

Investigates differences in marking standard and reliability when experienced teachers carried out assessments of the performance on practical exercises. The results showed that there was no difference between the assessments from the groups containing 5 and 20 students. (Author/YP)

Test takers' preferences for group versus individual administration of the Micro-TOWER System of Vocational Evaluation are reported. The system was administered to 211 clients at a vocational rehabilitation center, and consisted of work samples measuring the following job skills: record checking, filing, lamp assembly, message-taking, zip coding,…

Criterion-referenced tests developed for four programs in the Southwest Regional Laboratory (SWRL) Kindergarten Curriculum are presented. Tests were developed to meet the following criteria: (1) they must accurately and thoroughly reflect the objectives and learning activities of the program, (2) when appropriate, they must be designed to allow…

Traditionally, most rehabilitation centers have evaluated a clients' vocational skills on an individual basis. Individually administered work samples, however, may not provide as much individual attention to the assessment process as is usually assumed. Two types of group work sample evaluation systems have been developed: the Valpar Work Sample…

This book is intended to help instructors construct reading tests. All the chapters are concerned with viewing two complementary aspects of the written text materials that is used as the base for testing: (1) the relations that hold among the parts of a written text that occur together; and (2) the fact that each word in a text plays certain roles…

In response to informal reports that the time limitations on the new 1978 test forms of the General Educational Development (GED) Tests resulted in some examinees having to work substantially faster than at a comfortable rate, this study was designed (1) to estimate the time required for examinees to complete the tests at their preferred rate; (2)…

An updated and improved listing of test and measurement items useful in Adult Basic Education Classrooms is provided. Diagnostic, placement, achievement, and group and individual intelligence tests are reviewed. Information on test type and purpose, appropriate grade level, test time, number of forms, the manual, scoring, and format is included.…