A multiple-answer multiple-choice test is one which offers several alternate choices for each stem and any number of those choices may be considered to be correct. In this article, a class of scoring procedures called the binary class is discussed. (Author/JKS)

The most consistently used scoring system for the rod-and-frame task has been the total number of degrees in error from the true vertical. Since a logical case can be made for at least four alternative scoring systems, a thorough comparison of all five systems was performed. (Author/CTM)

Two multiple-choice scoring schemes--a partial credit scheme and a dichotomous approach--were compared analyzing means, variances, and reliabilities on alternate measures and student reactions. Students preferred the partial-credit approach, which is recommended if rewarding for partial knowledge is an important concern. (Editor/JT)

This module describes a method for weighting various measures of student achievement, such as examinations and home assignments, in order to combine these measures into a final grade. Standard deviation methods receive extensive attention. (TJH)

The analytical decomposition demonstrates how the effects of item characteristics, test properties, individual examinee responses, and rounding rules combine to produce the item deletion effect on the equating/scaling function and candidate scores. The empirical portion of the report illustrates the effects of item deletion on reported score…

Describes a computer formula which measures readability according to how well high school seniors comprehend reading passages. (RB)

This issue of NISE Brief discusses the weakness of the most commonly used educational outcome indicators--average and median test scores and proficiency-level indicators--and the advantages of value-added indicators. It offers a critique of the average test score as a measure of school and program performance as an example based on national data.…

The essay on the writing section of the SAT will be scored using a holistic approach. In holistic scoring, a piece of writing is considered as a total piece of work--the whole of which is greater than the sum of its parts.

A brief note presenting algebraically equivalent formulas for the variances of three error types. (Author)

Paper is concerned with the effect that ipsative scoring has upon a commonly used index of between-subtest correlation. (Author)

The purpose of this paper was to provide an empirical test of the hypothesis that elimination scores are more reliable and valid than classical corrected-for-guessing scores or weighted-choice scores. The evidence presented supports the hypothesized superiority of elimination scoring. (Author)

Binomial models for domain-referenced testing are compared, emphasizing the assumptions underlying the beta-binomial model. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed. A proposed item sampling model is presented which takes the effect of guessing into account. (Author/CM)

Using data from the SCRE Criterion Test composition papers, the author tests the hypothesis that the bulk of inter-marker unreliability is caused by inter-marker inconsistency--which is not correctable statistically. He suggests that a shift to "consensus" standards will realize greater improvements than statistical standardizing alone.…

Some perceived difficulties with conventional multiple choice tests are mentioned, and a modified form of examination is proposed. It uses a computer program to award partial marks for partially correct answers, full marks for correct answers, and check for widespread misunderstanding of an item or subject. (MSE)