Omitted items cannot properly be treated as wrong when estimating ability and item parameters. A convenient method for utilizing the information provided by omissions is presented. Some theoretical and considerable empirical justification is adduced for the estimates obtained by both old and new methods. (Author)

The toal score concept is considered from the test user's point of views. The simples kind of total, obtained by adding raw scores on the tests, automatically assigns weights to the tests which are proportional to their standard deviation. When desired or appropriate, tests can be weighted equally in a total by transforming the raw scores on each…

Results obtained by the Kudar-Richardson formula (20) adapted for use with R-KW scoring are compared with three other reliability formulas. Based on parallel tests administered at the same sitting the KR (20) estimates are compared with alternate-form correlations and with odd-even correlations adjusted by the Spearman-Brown prophecy formula.…

The cloze procedure, initially proven to be an effective measure of passage difficulty, is currently used as an assessment technique and an instructional method for enhancing reading comprehension. Through the use of the cloze procedure educators are able to investigate closely the processes of reading comprehension. (Author)

Four procedures are discussed for obtaining a confidence interval when answer-until-correct scoring is used in multiple choice tests. Simulated data show that the choice of procedure depends upon sample size. (GDC)

Estimates of the effects of use of formula scoring on the individual examinee's score are presented. Results for easy, moderate, and hard tests are examined. Using test characteristics from several studies shows that some examinees would increase scores substantially if they were to answer items omitted under formula directions. (SLD)

Investigated Kaufman's procedures for determining intersubtest scatter on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised by means of Sattler's revised tables for determining significant subtest fluctuations. Results indicated that Sattler's revised tables yielded more conservative estimates of subtest scatter than those originally reported…

Equations were derived for estimating MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) scores from a short form developed for cognitively impaired individuals. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that prediction from a single short-form scale was acceptable and was little improved by the addition of other scales or sex of subject to the…

Examines the feasibility of making multidimensional functional assessments among 22 older persons by using a questionnaire. Analysis of ratings and objective scores suggests that among relatively independent, well elderly individuals, self-administered assessment should be the mode of choice. Clinical and survey research applications are…

Holistic scoring of essays, a writing assessment method in which trained raters make a single overall judgement of the quality of a piece of writing, has acceptable reliability, face validity, and speed of administration. (Author/CL)

Reactions to a marking system proposed by Scott are offered and inconsistencies identified. It is suggested that Scott's system does not minimize any of the difficulties usually apparent in absolute systems and presents some new problems. (LBH)

Students' assessments of one type of learning product, the term paper, were examined. The basic question underlying the project was whether students enrolled in college courses would be less adequate at assigning grades and ranks to their classmates' papers than would the instructors. A case is made for classmate evaluation. (LBH)

Current educational theories emphasize assessment as a vital part of teaching-learning process. Alternative assessment techniques aim to expose and promote the process of the learning rather than the final outcome. Concept mapping is a technique for representing conceptual knowledge and relationships between concepts in a graphical form. Requiring…

This paper discusses two topics related to diagnostic score reporting for credentialing examinations. The first deals with various ways to compute subscores for credentialing examinations. The second addresses some pertinent factors to consider when presenting diagnostic results. To illustrate these issues, a sample set of subscores is used. This…

Two methods to establish a common scale across grades within a content area using a common item design (separate and concurrent) have previously been studied under simulated conditions. Separate estimation is accomplished through separate calibration and grade-by-grade chained linking. Concurrent calibration established the vertical scale in a…