ERIC Number: EJ1311163
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Jun
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1531-7714
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Evaluating Parent Comprehension of Measurement Error Information Presented in Score Reports
Kannan, Priya; Zapata-Rivera, Diego; Bryant, Andrew D.
Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, v26 Article 12 Jun 2021
Individual-student score reports sometimes include information about precision of scores (i.e., measurement error). In this study, we specifically investigated if parents understand this information when presented. We conducted an online experimental study where 196 parents of middle school children, from various parts of the country, were randomly assigned to three conditions with different amounts of measurement error information. Parents in all conditions answered a series of comprehension questions about a student's performance on a hypothetical test. Results indicate that when information about error was presented, parents showed a significantly better understanding of score variability. Moreover, when asked about their preference for such information, parents across all three conditions indicated that they would like such information to be included in their child's report. Results from this study highlight the importance of clear communication of technical information to stakeholders, particularly parents, who are a diverse stakeholder group.
Descriptors: Comprehension, Parents, Error of Measurement, Test Interpretation, Middle School Students, Student Evaluation, Knowledge Level, Parent Background
Center for Educational Assessment. 813 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002. e-mail: pare@umass.edu; Tel: 413-577-2180; Web site: https://scholarworks.umass.edu/pare
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A