Computer-based educational assessments often include items that involve drag-and-drop responses. There are different ways that drag-and-drop items can be laid out and different choices that test developers can make when designing these items. Currently, these decisions are based on experts' professional judgments and design constraints, rather…

In today's digital age, tests are increasingly being delivered on computers. Many of these computer-based tests (CBTs) have been adapted from paper-based tests (PBTs). However, this change in mode of test administration has the potential to introduce construct-irrelevant variance, affecting the validity of score interpretations. Because of this,…

Likert scales are used to make relative and absolute judgments about measures of attitude. Despite its ubiquitous use, only few studies have investigated the effects of altering the configurations of the response options. The purpose of this experiment was to explore the effects of response option orientation and directionality in Likert scales…

Quantitative item models are item structures that may be expressed in terms of mathematical variables and constraints. An item model may be developed as a computer program from which large numbers of items are automatically generated. Item models can be used to produce large numbers of items for use in traditional, large-scale assessments. But…

This study analyzed the results of applying two different methods of likert-scale construction (single-column and discrepancy-column formats). The findings indicated that the discrepancy format provides stronger discrimination for purposes of measuring need. (Author/BW)

The effectiveness of a Likert-scale and three paired-choice presentation formats in discriminating among parents' preferences for curriculum elements were compared. Paired-choice formats gave more reliable discriminations which increased with stimulus specificity. Similarities and differences in preference orderings are discussed. (Author/CM)

Describes types of tests, types of student responses required, ways to interpret tests, and the major test developers. (WD)

A series of six papers and an introduction which present the results and tentative analyses of studies investigating such constructs as self-esteem, perceptions of control, and competence are included in this document. These papers are: (1) "Multiple Dimensions of Locus of Control and Their Relationship To Standardized Achievement Scores in Fifth…

Indicates that certain items in reading comprehension tests are not measuring for hearing impaired students the particular reading skill they are intended to measure. Argues for a word/idea association strategy as the explanation for this and briefly discusses its relevance for testing and educating the hearing impaired. (FL)

Literature related to the multiple true-false (MTF) item format is reviewed. Each answer cluster of a MTF item may have several true items and the correctness of each is judged independently. MTF tests appear efficient and reliable, although they are a bit harder than multiple choice items for examinees. (SLD)

This study is part of continuing research into the meaning of future National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) science scales. In this study, the test framework, as examined by NAEP's consensus process, and attributes of the items, identified by science experts, cognitive scientists, and measurement specialists, are examined. Preliminary…