Factor analysis attempts to study how different objects group together to form factors with the purposes of: (1) reducing the number of factorable entities (e.g., variables) with which the researcher needs to deal; (2) searching data for qualitative and quantitative differences; and (3) testing hypotheses (R. Gorsuch, 1983). While most factor…

Issues regarding confidence and tolerance intervals are discussed within the context of educational measurement. Conceptual distinctions are drawn between these two types of intervals; and examples, under various error and true score models, are used to compare such intervals. It is shown that there tend to be only small differences in tolerance…

Author argued that teachers rather than outside examiners should be responsible for assessing the abilities and achievements of their students. (Editor/RK)

The present research was designed to determine whether performance on the Digit Span (DS) and Digit Symbol (D) subtests of the WAIS is affected by seating arrangement, since such information would be of obvious relevance to users of this test. (Author)

Performance on Inhelder and Piaget's pendulum problem was obtained as a validating measure in a study of the transition from concrete to formal thinking. The sample consisted of 236 children aged from 10 to 14 years. (Editor)

The NEA Task Force on Testing has been studying student testing and evaluation since 1972. Here is what they recommend for teachers, school administrators, and professional associations. (Editor/RK)

This bibliography provides annotations on over 165 testing sources in the collection of the Humboldt State University (California) Library. Focus is on psychological and educational tests. Information resources are grouped according to information need, including sources of tests or information about tests, and by subject. The Library does not…

This paper summarizes the steps that led to the development of new test purchaser qualification forms (TPQFs), with major emphasis on a form for an educational test publisher. Three separate research studies, conducted by the Test User Qualifications Working Group (TUQWG) of the Joint Committee on Testing Practices, constituted the research base…

This annotated bibliography draws together references in English and French to Canadian materials on testing and evaluation of student achievement. The bibliography includes books, journal articles, tests, publications, and manuals, published between 1976 and 1984. Entries are arranged alphabetically under such topical subheadings as: (1) general…

APPROPRIATE LEVELS OF THE METROPOLITAN READING TEST WERE ADMINISTERED CITYWIDE IN OCTOBER, 1965, AND MAY, 1966, TO PUPILS IN GRADES 2 THROUGH 9 IN AN EFFORT BY THE NEW YORK SCHOOL SYSTEM TO IMPROVE READING. THE RESULTS ARE PRESENTED IN TABLES WHICH SHOW THE DISTRIBUTION OF READING ACHIEVEMENT SCORES IN EACH GRADE. THE IOWA TESTS OF BASIC SKILLS IN…

This guide is divided into four parts. Part I, an introduction, contains a discussion of why item banking has failed thus far to become a widely accepted procedure for test development, as well as some miscellaneous information on item banking that may be useful. In Part 2, completed questionnaires from 22 organizations with item banks give…

This glossary of terms used in educational and psychological measurement is geared toward the non-specialist in measurement. Terms which are considered basic are defined, such as those used in test manuals or educational journals. Definitions are based on current usage in textbooks in the areas of educational and psychological measurement and…

This commentary analyzes Professor Bloom's definitions of kinds of evaluation and the needs for evaluation in education. In a discussion of the nature of tests of cognition, memory, and production and evaluation abilities, Professor Guilford stresses the need for concern with acquisition of specific items of information and with general…

One of the most significant revelations of this paper is a recent finding that indicates that a sizeable number of nonlinear relationships between pre-post gain scores of pupils are found when measured by newer, nonstandardized instruments, which are valid and reliable. When instruments/procedures of this sort are used, the fit for pupils at both…