Methods of estimating the standard error at different ability levels were compared. Overall, it was found that at a given ability level the standard errors calculated using different formulas are not appreciably different. Further, for most situations the traditional method of calculating a standard error probably provides sufficient precision.…

This article investigates positional response bias, testwiseness, and guessing strategy as components of variance in test responses on multiple-choice tests. University students responded to two content exams, a testwiseness measure, and a guessing strategy measure. The proportion of variance in test scores accounted for by positional response…

Asymptotic formulas are derived for the bias in the maximum likelihood estimators of the item parameters in the logistic item response model when examinee abilities are known. Numerical results are given for a typical verbal test for college admission. (Author)

On the basis of the characteristics of criterion-referenced tests, the contribution of German research to the development and application of criterion-referenced tests is discussed. (PN)

Educational assessments that exploit advances in technology and cognitive psychology can produce observations and pose student models that outstrip familiar test-theoretic models and analytic methods. Bayesian inference networks (BINs), which include familiar models and techniques as special cases, can be used to manage belief about students'…

The unique conceptual framework and language of generalizability theory are presented. While this chapter is relevant to any area in which generalizability theory is applicable, it emphasizes evaluation research, and most examples come from that area. (Author/PN)

The high failure rate of Black prospective teachers in the southern states raises the challenge to change the quality of education for all Americans. (MLF)

Discusses use of item banks in preparing local tests, using as an example the construction of a college mathematics placement test. Compares recommended placements with course results at the end of the quarter. Students who placed themselves above recommendation did better than expected, perhaps because of strong self-selection factors. (PAS)

Two estimation procedures for the Rasch Model of test analysis are reviewed in detail, particularly with respect to new developments that make the more statistically rigorous conditional maximum likelihood estimation practical for use with longish tests. (Author/JKS)

Generalizability theory provides the teacher and the researcher with a flexible method for establishing reliability coefficients in tests. This theory is effective in estimating reliability for a set of motor performance test scores. (CJ)

Considers issues surrounding the use of differentiated examinations. Discusses how differentiation may be provided, the wording of questions, and how marks should be given. Highlights some pitfalls of using this approach. Concludes that, although differentiated examinations are possible, they will not always meet the needs of the end range of test…

Applications of Oscar K. Buros' values and convictions to current developments in measurement are considered. Biographical information and Buros' personal philosophy on applied measurement are discussed. The Buros tradition refocuses evaluators' attention on the implications of their work for the end users of measurement results--test users and…

Studies the effect of item order on test scores and completion time. Students scored slightly higher when test items were grouped sequentially (relating to text and lectures) than on tests when test items were grouped by text chapter but ordered randomly, or when test items were ordered randomly. Found no differences in completion time. (Author/LS)

Examines the question of whether cultural and ethnic groups differ in their extreme response style. Studies questionnaire responses of Hispanic and non-Hispanic male Navy recruits and suggests that differences in extreme response style may be attributable to differences in judgment style across the two cultural groups. (MW)

Violations of item unidimensionality on language tests produced distorted estimates of person ability, and violations of person unidimensionality produced distorted estimates of item difficulty. The Bejar Method was sensitive to such distortions. (Author)