Criterion-related profile analysis (CPA) can be used to assess whether subscores of a test or test battery account for more criterion variance than does a single total score. Application of CPA to subscore evaluation is described, compared to alternative procedures, and illustrated using SAT data. Considerations other than validity and reliability…

In this study I compared results of chained linear, Tucker, and Levine-observed score equatings under conditions where the new and old forms samples were similar in ability and also when they were different in ability. The length of the anchor test was also varied to examine its effect on the three different equating methods. The three equating…

In this study, eight statistical strategies were evaluated for selecting the parameterizations of loglinear models for smoothing the bivariate test score distributions used in nonequivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) equating. Four of the strategies were based on significance tests of chi-square statistics (Likelihood Ratio, Pearson,…

Score equating based on small samples of examinees is often inaccurate for the examinee populations. We conducted a series of resampling studies to investigate the accuracy of five methods of equating in a common-item design. The methods were chained equipercentile equating of smoothed distributions, chained linear equating, chained mean equating,…

It is proposed that the reliability of criterion-referenced test scores be defined in terms of the consistency of the decision-making process across repeated administrations of the test. (Author/RC)

An index for the dependability of mastery tests is described. Assumptions necessary for the index and the mathematical development of the index are provided. (Author/JKS)

A relatively simple method is developed to obtain confidence intervals for a student's proportion of domain mastery in criterion-referenced or mastery measurement situations. The method uses the binomial distribution as a model for the student's scores under hypothetically repeated assessments, and it makes use of widely available "F"…

Within the beta-binomial Bayesian framework, procedures are described for the evaluation of the kappa index of reliability on the basis of one administration of a domain-referenced test. Major factors affecting this index include cutoff score, test score variability and test length. Empirical data which substantiate some theoretical trends deduced…

A number of different reliability coefficients have recently been proposed for tests used to differentiate between groups such as masters and nonmasters. One promising index is the proportion of students in a class that are consistently assigned to the same mastery group across two testings. The present paper proposes a single test administration…

Article commented on a study by Harris, who presented formulas for the variance of errors of estimation (of a true score from an observed score) and the variance of errors of prediction (of an observed score from an observed score on a parallel test). (Author/RK)

A method for obtaining criterion-references information from standardized tests is proposed. (TA)

A computer simulation study was conducted to investigate Subkoviak's index of reliability for criterion-referenced tests, called the coefficient of agreement. Results indicate that the index can be adequately estimated. (JKS)

Four different methods for estimating the proportions of testees properly classified as having mastered or not mastered test content are examined, using data from the Scholastic Aptitude Test. All four methods prove reasonably accurate and all show some bias under certain conditions. (JKS)

Author attempted to call attention to some serious problems with respect to the general goals of education, and to suggest that these problems are left untouched by most of the newer developments in the specification of educational objectives. (Author/RK)