This study empirically determined the optimizing weight to be applied to the Wrongs Total Score in scoring rubrics of the general form = R - kW, where S is the Score, R the Rights Total, k the weight and W the Wrongs Total, if reliability is to be maximized. As is well known, the traditional formula score rests on a theoretical framework which is…

The Mastery-Learning test model is extended. Methods for estimating prior probabilities are described. The use of an adjustment matrix to transform a probability of mastery measure and empirical methods for estimating adjustment matrix parameters are derived. Adjustment matrices are interpreted as indicators of instructional effectiveness and as…

Assessment exercises (items) in three different formats--multiple-choice with an "I don't know" (IDK) option, multiple-choice without the IDK, and open-ended--were placed at the beginning, middle and end of 45-minute assessment packages (instruments). A balanced incomplete blocks analysis of variance was computed to determine the biasing…

This project is concerned with the development and implementation of some new statistical techniques that will facilitate a continuing input of information about the student to the instructional manager so that individualization of instruction can be managed effectively. The source of this informational input is typically a short…

The use of computers in areas of testing, selection, and placement processes for those in military services' training programs are viewed in this paper. Also discussed is a review of the motivational and theoretical foundation of admissible probability testing, the role of the computer in admissible probability testing, and the authors' experience…

The 1972-73 Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) provided information on 22 measures of students and schools. While some of the data were gathered in routine Michigan Department of Education reports, student performance data were gathered using the Michigan Assessment of Basic Skills battery, Form VMT during January 1973. The battery…

The purpose of this study was to develop the Johnson-Neyman Procedure (JN-Procedure) appropriate to multiple groups and covariables, and demonstrate its use in the analysis of group differences. A sequence of significance tests which makes it possible to identify the most parsimonious analysis of group differences appropriate to a given set of…

This final report describes a project begun in 1962 which was designed to analyze the effect of home and maternal influence on the cognitive development of urban preschool children evaluated when they were four years old. The research group consisted of 163 mother-child pairs from three socioeconomic status levels: middle class, skilled working…

This report describes the second or followup phase of a project begun in 1962, which was designed to analyze the effect of home and maternal influence on the cognitive development of urban preschool children from three socioeconomic levels. Reported is the academic performance and cognitive attainment of 158 original study children during their…

A major variable by which national educational systems may be compared is their structural differentiation, defined (1) as a process, referring to the multiplication of one structural element into two or more structurally distinct elements; and (2) as a state, referring to the number of structurally distinct elements which exist in a system at a…

Ergometrics, the application of psychometric principles and procedures to the study of human work, draws from theories and principles of human behavior as well as from established procedures in psychological measurement and job analysis. The project described employs ergometrics to describe, compare, and group occupations for educational purposes.…

This paper relates educational and psychological statistics to certain "Research Statistical Tools" (RSTs) necessary to accomplish and understand general research in the behavioral sciences. Emphasis is placed on acquiring an effective understanding of the RSTs and to this end they are are ordered to a continuum scale in terms of individual…

The relative effectiveness of client-centered, rational-emotive, and desensitization therapies in reducing test anxiety among high school students was investigated. The sample was drawn from 2336 students in grades 10 through 12 who were administered the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Thirty-three subjects with high State…

In order to assess achievement in technical drawing at the secondary school level, an experimental examination was conducted using 333 boys and 2 girls from 13 schools. The objectives of the course in order of importance were: (1) Understanding and Comprehension; (2) Use; and (3) Communication. Three papers were formed: Paper I, an objective…

Results of this validation study of a slightly modified version of the Coppersmith Self-Esteem Inventory substantiate its use with seventh graders to assess Goal I (concerning self-understanding and appreciation of self-worth) of the Educational Quality Assessment Program in Pennsylvania. Appendixes include the definition and rationale for Goal I,…