This paper illustrates that the psychometric properties of scores and scales that are used with mixed-format educational tests can impact the use and interpretation of the scores that are reported to examinees. Psychometric properties that include reliability and conditional standard errors of measurement are considered in this paper. The focus is…

The reporting of scores on educational tests is at times misunderstood, misinterpreted, and potentially confusing to examinees and other stakeholders who may need to interpret test scores. In reporting test results to examinees, there is a need for clarity in the message communicated. As pressure rises for students to demonstrate performance at a…

Describes popularity of using percentile rank and offers interpretation of use of percentile rank with normal and skewed score distributions. Explains that, because percentile rank is not linear transformation of raw scores, percentile-rank transformation in lower and upper part of raw-score distribution relates percentile rank and raw scores…

Offers standard errors of prediction and confidence intervals for Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) that help in deciding whether variation in obtained scores of scale administered to the same person more than once is a result of measurement error or whether it reflects actual change in examinee's functional level. Presented values were…

The procedure of estimating true scores by means of a transformation of the obtained score based on the reliability coefficient is compared with the use of the obtained score without transformation. Using the mean squared error as a criterion, the transformed score is a better estimate for most examinees but poorer for those whose true scores lie…

The LOGTRUE program can be used to obtain a scale of equated raw scores for two tests with parameter estimates on a common item response theory scale. The program derives its name from the method of logistic true score equating described by Lord (1980). The method can be applied to two tests with overlapping items administered to different groups…

Rasch model vertical equating procedures were applied to three mathematics computation tests for grades six, seven, and eight. Each level of the test was composed of 45 items in three sets of 15 items, arranged in such a way that tests for adjacent grades had two sets (30 items) in common, and the sixth and eighth grades had 15 items in common. In…

The Personal Profile System (PPS) is a self-referent device to measure behavioral responses of individuals on the dimensions of dominance, inducement of others, steadiness, and compliance. The PPS booklet contains: (1) a measurement device which generates scores for each dimension, (2) graphs for plotting obtained scores, (3) directions for…

Since the primary purpose of classical testing is to rank order examinees consistently, the absolute value of the true score has been relatively unimportant. However, the major purpose of criterion referenced testing is to estimate the true capabilities of examinees to perform specific tasks. Hence, the problems of true score determination assume…

The construct validity of vocational interest test scores was examined by finding the interest profiles of 15,447 college students in 51 majors. Standard scores based on same-sex norms were found to be more valid on this criterion than were raw scores. (CTM)

Uses of the variety of scores generated by standardized achievement tests are discussed. Desirable characteristics of scales, raw score scales, percent of correct items, percentile ranks, grade equivalents, normal curve equivalents, and scale scores are considered. The various meanings and purposes of each type of score are discussed. It is…

Where estimation of abilities in the lower half of the ability distribution for the Raven Progressive Matrices is important, or an increase in accuracy of ability estimation is needed, the multiple category latent trait estimation provides a rational procedure for realizing gains in accuracy from the use of information in wrong responses.…

An investigation is described of the ORT ONLY MODEL, which is one of four models being used to obtain national norm-referenced and local criterion- or objective-referenced information from a single assessment instrument. Raw scores on a norm-referenced test (NRT) were equated to raw scores on an objective-referenced test (ORT). Resultant equating…

The interpretation of test profiles, graphic devices which indicate the overall performance of an individual or group of individuals, is discussed. Some uses of profiles are presented, together with a three step profile analysis procedure for interpreting test results. Because profiles are relatively simple to construct and appear to be easily…

The measurement of the performance of schools is complicated by the need to adjust for differences in input mixes. Schools may have a differential effect on the performance of different types of pupils. Rather than a single performance indicator, a system of indicators is needed. Characteristics of a good indicator system are identified. (KDP)