L-scaling is introduced as a technique for determining the weights in weighted averages or scaled scores for T joint observations on K variables. The technique is so named because of its formal resemblance to the Leontief matrix of mathematical economics. L-scaling is compared to several widely-used procedures for data reduction, and the…

This paper outlines a technique for differentially weighting options of a multiple choice test in a fashion that maximizes the item predictive validity. The rule can be applied with different number of categories and the "optimal" number of categories can be determined by significance tests and/or through the R2 criterion. Our theoretical analysis…

By using the paired comparison methodology, it was possible to establish evaluative priorities, providing criterion weights which reflected the thoughts and feelings of an advisory committee consisting of experts in the task selection process. For the U.S. Army Infantry School, the weights can be used to stress higher weighted criterion results in…

A procedure for estimating reliability in a factor analytic context, when reliability of the extracted factors is not an emphasis, is identified. The procedure is an extension of Dressel's work and might be applied in attitude measurement. It assesses how homogeneous the weighted original item responses are, when they are scored for pattern…

The Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale (LWMAS) and several measures of religious beliefs and commitment were administered to 66 married couples. The two types of LWMAS scoring weights produce the same relationships. Marital adjustment scales are paper/pencil projective measures that tap spouses' intended and actual values, goals, and…

Data from five separate samples were weighted using the vertical percent method (England) and the rare response method (Telenson, Alexander, and Barrett) to investigate their relative effectiveness for scoring biographical information blanks. Vertical percent scoring yielded significant validity coefficients for all samples, while rare response…

This pilot study compared two empirically-derived, option-weighting methods and the resultant effect on the reliability and validity of multiple choice test scores as compared with conventional rights-only scoring. (MM)

The purpose of this article is to discuss some recent developments in the scoring of multiple-choice items from two angles. The first consists of the recent developments in the test instructions of the conventional scoring procedures, and the second consists of a discussion of new scoring methods and formulas. (Author)

Describes a program developed at Christian County High School in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, that utilizes three different levels of instruction with two different curriculums under each level to meet the differing needs of students. (SR)

This article presents a formula for weighted kappa in terms of rater means, rater variances, and the rater covariance that is particularly helpful in emphasizing that weighted kappa is an absolute agreement measure in the sense that it is sensitive to differences in rater's marginal distributions. Specifically, rater mean differences will decrease…

This article describes key concepts, reviews empirical findings, and discusses important issues related to the use of subjective importance ratings and importance weighting. The review of empirical findings focuses on weighting achieved via the multiplicative model and on 3 areas in which weighting is commonly used: quality of life, self-esteem,…

In this article, the author describes how the "weighted student" funding, under which money is divvied up based on the actual number and kinds of students at each school, gains favor among education leaders. With weighted-student funding, a district divides up money--rather than staff positions and programs--among schools. Proponents…

This report describes the derivation and evaluation of a method for comparing the performance standards for public school students set by different states. It is based on an approach proposed by McLaughlin and associates, which constituted an innovative attempt to resolve the confusion and concern that occurs when very different proportions of…

Combining student scores to form subtotals and finally a total score to determine a grade is discussed. The composite score reached by combining measures or subtotals is only valid when the scores are combined so that the actual weight of each measure or subtotal in the total score is the same as the intended weight. Three types of variability…