How the relationship between test-taking motivation and performance might depend on ability was studied with college students taking a science (n=249) or social studies (n=473) test that had no academic consequences. Students taking these tests are told that their responses provide important information for evaluating the university's programs but…

In this paper we provide a rationale and approach for articulating a conceptual framework and corresponding development resources to guide the design of science inquiry assessments. Important here is attention to how and why research on cognition and learning, advances in technological capability, and development of sophisticated methods and…

The Illinois Science Assessment Framework is designed to assist educators, test developers, policy makers and the public by clearly defining those elements of the Illinois Learning Standards that are suitable for state testing. It is not designed to replace a local science curriculum and should not be considered a state science curriculum. The…

Factor analysis was used to investigate constructs underlying performance in a biology examination supporting an hypothesis suggesting that the constructs were related to knowledge (rather than other levels of Bloom's taxonomy) of topics. Indicates that the method provides a means of identifying what examination items test. (Author/JN)

Suggests a testing format suitable for thermodynamics, including questions and correct answers. Also offers a test question and an acceptable solution focusing on the elimination of certain steps in the glycolytic pathway. (SK)

Described is a "road map" type chemistry problem which tests students ability to combine knowledge of chemical facts with good scientific reasoning to arrive at the answer. This type of question can be used in freshman chemistry courses because it does not require specialized knowledge. (Author/DS)

Presents some of the preliminary results of a survey study about the use of both the revised publications and GCE O-Level examinations for Nuffield Chemistry in 495 British schools and colleges in 1979. (HM)

Reports results of a study that examined (CSE) biology examinations to determine whether practical and theory examinations tested separate constructs. Multitrait-Multimethod matrices revealed evidence of convergent validity between two practical tests forming part of the same examination. Practical tests and written papers show very limited…

An elementary organic review exercise is described which can be given to a secondary school student who has completed an elementary unit on the chemistry of carbon. This is recommended as an exercise, not a test, but can be utilized for evaluative purposes. The format includes both multiple-choice and essay questions. (DS)

Because the Reagan and Bush administrations accentuated the negative about American schools, there was little mention of U.S. students' average performance on the geography part of the 1992 Second International Assessment of Educational Progress. On the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (1994), U.S. eighth graders finished slightly…

Compares science examination preferences of college students and faculty in Israel and the United States. Findings indicate that students prefer written exams in which time is unlimited and any materials are allowed. American students prefer traditional examinations more than their Israeli counterparts, and there exists significant differences…

Describes the design, development, and validity of the Force Concept Inventory (FCI), a test designed to assess student understanding of the most basic concepts in Newtonian physics and to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. Discusses various uses of the FCI and the interpretation of the FCI score. (JRH)

Describes the factor analysis and validity of the Force Concept Inventory (FCI), a test designed to assess student understanding of the most basic concepts in Newtonian physics and to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. Discusses problems in the use of the FCI and urges caution in interpreting and using FCI scores. (JRH)

Presents the Vector Knowledge Test that was designed to see if beginning physics students possess the minimal basic knowledge of vectors that will allow them to proceed with a study of Newtonian mechanics. Concludes that only one-third of the students in a calculus-based introductory course at California Polytechnic had sufficient vector…

Explores a possible model for the prediction of students' science achievement in China and the United States based on the ninth-grade database from Phase II of the Second IEA (International Association for the Evaluation of Science Achievement) Science Study (SISS). Compares the structure of latent factors and model complexity between the two…