Naomi Gafni, director of Research and Development, National Institute for Testing and Evaluation, Jerusalem, Israel, has devoted a substantial part of her career to the development of admissions tests and other educational tests and to the investigation of their validity. As such she is keenly aware of the complexities involved in this process.…

The article "Thinking About Linking" by Newton (2010) presents a novel philosophical perspective on the way that educational assessments should be linked. Newton starts by describing the linking framework as it was characterized in various publications and identifies a cross-cultural dimension in the definitions and uses of test…

It has often been asserted that the reliability of a measure places an upper limit on its validity. This article demonstrates in theory that validity can rise when reliability declines, even when validity evidence is a correlation with an acceptable criterion. Whether empirical examples can actually be found is an open question. (SLD)

Argues that student assessment plays a crucial role in the academic life of college students, and assessment arrangements embody the purposes of higher education. Reviews research suggesting learners' perceptions of course testing procedures is the single most important influence on learning. Outlines six guiding principles of test development to…

This book discusses adapting pencil-and-paper tests to computerized testing. Mention is made of models for graded responses to items and of possibilities beyond pencil-and-paper-tests, but the book is essentially about dichotomously scored test items. Contrasts between item response theory and classical test theory are described. (SLD)

The author proposes a greater professional association role in establishing standards for quality assurance in testing. He presents his views as a test developer who dislikes the legal model for resolving professional issues. The use of publications and informational activities to make people aware of the professional standards and how they can be…

Focusing on the use of "paper and pencil" criterion-referenced tests in educational measurement, and to correct misconceptions, the definitions of basic terms and historical antecedents are discussed. Classifications of the tests are compared with other achievement tests. The phases in developing criterion-referenced tests are presented with the…

Based on a review of the literature, this paper examines criticisms leveled against the communication audit developed by the International Communication Association (ICA) and then offers a modified version of the audit designed to meet those criticisms. Following a brief introduction, the first section of the paper reviews criticisms of the audit,…

It is argued that the statements and accusations made by Stephen Jay Gould about the use of factor analysis are incorrect and unjustified and that tests properly designed for the purpose can adequately measure a "general" or "g" factor of intelligence, particularly in view of the developments in testing since "The…

Continuing attention to test theory, test development, test interpretation and use, test monitoring and control, test consumer education, and the social and political consequences of testing is suggested as the primary concern of the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME). (CM)

This volume is the fourth in a series for college faculty and advanced graduate students, "Survival Skills for Scholars." It offers practical advice for developing, using, and grading classroom examinations, focusing on traditional multiple-choice and constructed-response tests rather than alternative assessments. (SLD)

Noting that the attention of the speech communication discipline to listening skills does not mirror the apparent importance of such skills, this paper examines five listening assessment tests--focusing on the strengths, weaknesses, procedural problems, and conceptualizations of each--that potential users should be aware of before selecting any…

This issue presents examinations of educational testing, large-scale alternative assessment, small-scale alternative assessment, and educational measurement. These discussions go beyond technical issues to provide a conceptual perspective and a view of underlying histories, theories, applications, and the uncertainties associated with these…

Progress, or lack thereof, in the development of ability testing is reviewed. Current tests, though inadequate, respond to the demands of test consumers. Test publishers must look ahead to changing demands and begin to lead the market, rather than follow it, by drawing on basic research in testing. (SLD)

A look at the history of intelligence testing suggests that those most closely allied with intelligence testing were often least able to see the larger issues. Input is needed from those who have examined broader currents in the history and sociology of ideas. New ideas must be cultivated to avoid redundancy in the field. (SLD)