Suggests a process for setting a cutoff score on knowledge tests for promotion, certification, and licensing: a modified Angoff method, in which a competency estimate is determined by subject matter experts, is combined with analysis of potential impact on any groups protected by the Civil Rights Act. (SK)

During the last decade the use of Bayesian statistical method has become quite prevalent in the educational community. Yet, like most statistical techniques, little has been written concerning the application of these methods to the classroom setting. The purpose of this paper is to help correct such a deficiency in the literature by developing a…

The use of Cohen's kappa index as a measure of the reliability of multiple classifications is developed. Special cases of the index as well as the effects of test length on the index are also explored. (JKS)

An empirical investigation of the statistical procedure entitled nonlinear principal components analysis was conducted on a known equation and on measurement data in order to demonstrate the procedure and examine its potential usefulness. This method was suggested by R. Gnanadesikan and based on an early paper of Karl Pearson. (Author/AL)

In the case of dichotomous decisions, the total set of all assumptions/specifications for which the decision would have been the same is the robustness region. Inspection of this (data-dependent) region is a form of sensitivity analysis which may lead to improved decision making. (Author/BW)

Huynh (1976) suggested a method of approximating the reliability coefficient of a mastery test. The present study examines the accuracy of Huynh's approximation and also describes a computationally simpler approximation which appears to be generally more accurate than the former. (Author/RL)

This study is an attempt to answer the following research question: can the reliability of a criterion-referenced test be accurately determined according to a multiple classification of the student's performance? Specifically, the study pursues the beta-multinomial model, which postulates the probability distribution of an examinee's degree of…

Current methods of obtaining reliability coefficients for mastery tests are laborious from a practitioner's perspective. Some methods require two test administrations; while others require access to computer facilities and/or advanced measurement and statistical procedures. This report provides tables from which practitioners can read such…

A number of different definitions and indices of reliability for mastery tests have recently been proposed in an attempt to cope with possible lack of score variability that attenuates traditional coefficients. One promising index that has been suggested is the proportion of students in a group that are consistently assigned to the same mastery…

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)

A model for the setting of mastery cut scores is presented. The model, based on the beta-binomial test distribution, allows for hand calculation of cut scores. The model provides a simple way to explore the consequences of selecting a particular cut score. (Author/JKS)

Descriptions are presented of two related probabilistic models that can be used for making classification decisions with respect to mastery of specific concepts or skills. Determination of cutoff scores, minimal number of items necessary, and the assessment of the quality of tests provided by the model are discussed. (Author/JKS)

In mastery testing, the raw agreement index and the kappa index may be estimated via one test administration when the test scores follow beta-binomial distributions. This paper reports formulae, tables, and a computer program which facilitate the computation of the standard errors of the estimates. (Author/CTM)

Goal-setting positively affected achievement in the motor skills involved in archery. (JD)