By means of computer simulation of test responses, the reliability of item analysis data and the accuracy of equating were examined for hypothetical samples of 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 subjects for two tests with 20 equating items plus 60 additional items on the same scale. Birnbaum's three-parameter logistic model was used for the simulation. The…

The ability of the Rasch model to provide item difficulties and achievement test scores which are invariant is studied. Data for the study were obtained from students in grades 3 through 7 who took the Sequential Tests of Educational Progress (STEP III) Reading and Mathematics Concepts tests during a spring norming study. Each test contained 50…

A general process for testing the feasibility of applying alternative mathematical or statistical models to the solution of a practical problem is presented and flowcharted. The system is used to develop a plan to compare models for test equating. The five alternative models to be considered for equating are: (1) anchor test equating using…

The Rasch model is described as a latent trait model which meets the five criteria that characterize reasonable and objective measurements of an individual's ability independent of the test items used. The criteria are: (1) calibration of test items must be independent of particular norming groups; (2) measurement of individuals must be…

The development and implementation of the Dallas Independent School District's Basic Objectives Assessment Test (BOAT) are described. Beginning in 1979, this minimum competency test was administered system-wide to all students in grades 8-12 (except for those enrolled as special education students), and beginning in 1983 it will be used in…

A study examined the effects of manipulating the representation and organizational features of mathematical problems on students' abilities to solve them. Subjects for the study were 238 high school students who had demonstrated ability in computing percentages in a nonproblem solving format. The data analyzed in the study were student responses…

Since its appearance in 1974, the Snyder Self-Monitoring Scale has been employed in research dealing with self-presentation, attribution, and attitude expression. The Scale was developed to measure the degree to which people are concerned with the social appropriateness of their behavior, are aware of relevant social cues, and regulate their…

The Department of Defense directed that the military services move toward the use of a common aptitude battery for satisfaction of their personnel selection requirements. The content of existing service classifications were studied during the initial phase of battery redesign. Elements from the Army Classification Inventory, the Navy Vocational…

Two methods of item selection were used to select sets of 40 items from a 50-item verbal analogies test, and the resulting item sets were compared for relative efficiency. The BICAL program was used to select the 40 items having the best mean square fit to the one parameter logistic (Rasch) model. The LOGIST program was used to select the 40 items…

One method of delineating reading comprehension is T. C. Barrett's taxonomy, which contains the categories of literal comprehension, reorganization, inferential comprehension, and evaluation. In a study devised to test whether the categories of this taxonomy are hierarchical, a reading comprehension test developed by the International Association…

The responses of five samples of elementary and secondary school students to the Brooks Student Questionnaire were factor analyzed. Extracted factors, centile norms, and reliability data are reported. (Author/JKS)

The results of a practical clinical examination in podiatric medicine administered to fourth-year students are presented. The examination could become the prototype of a Part III practical clinical examination under the auspices of the National Board of Podiatry Examiners. Its feasibility is established and problems and issues are discussed.…

Discusses problems which arise when a discipline such as music uses more than one learning domain. Points out the difficulty in developing music skills while trying to achieve cognitive goals such as those outlined in Bloom's taxonomy. Examines whether such a taxonomy can help in sequencing learning in the music classroom. Provides suggestions for…

Discusses the Document Based Question (DBQ) as a way of assessing critical thinking skills. Examines several weaknesses with this type of test item and offers suggestions for overcoming them. Advocates the method continue to be used. (JDH)

Considers the nature and types of questions that are asked on English as a second language grammar in various undergraduate examinations of an Indian university and shows that many questions are vague, ambiguous, ineffective, and occasionally couched in ungrammatical language, thus defeating the objective of the tests. (Author/CB)