ERIC Number: EJ1464062
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Mar
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0655
EISSN: EISSN-1745-3984
Available Date: 2025-01-07
A Note on the Use of Categorical Subscores
Journal of Educational Measurement, v62 n1 p101-119 2025
Although there exists an extensive amount of research on subscores and their properties, limited research has been conducted on categorical subscores and their interpretations. In this paper, we focus on the claim of Feinberg and von Davier that categorical subscores are useful for remediation and instructional purposes. We investigate this claim by examining (a) the agreement between true and observed subscore classifications and (b) the agreement between subscore classifications across parallel forms of a test. Results show that the categorical subscores of Feinberg and von Davier are often inaccurate and/or inconsistent, pointing to a lack of justification for using them for remediation or instructional purposes.
Descriptors: Tests, Scores, Test Interpretation, Alternative Assessment, Evaluation Methods, Scoring Rubrics, Skill Development, Test Validity, Assessment Literacy, Remedial Instruction, Accuracy, Test Reliability, True Scores, Student Evaluation
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Michigan State University; 2Educational Testing Service