The 2003 NAAL is a complex assessment with several components and various types of data. The primary purpose of this publication is to describe the assessment's key features and data types. Thus, the publication covers the critical concepts and features carried over from the 1992 assessment, as well as those new to the 2003 assessment--for…

Matrix sampling of test items, the division of a set of items into different versions of a test form, is used by several large-scale testing programs. This Digest discusses nine categories of costs associated with matrix sampling. These categories are: (1) development costs; (2) materials costs; (3) administration costs; (4) educational costs; (5)…

This study investigated the number-correct scoring method based on different theories (classical true-score theory and multidimensional item response theory) when a standardized test requires more than one ability for an examinee to get a correct response. The number-correct scoring procedure that is widely used is the one that is defined in…

Real and perceived misuses of educational tests, errors in test scoring and test use, and incidents of cheating on tests have been widely reported in local and national media. As educational tests take on additional importance for students, teachers, and schools, there is appropriate concern about the quality of assessments and the appropriate use…

Results indicate that scoring tests by the self-scoring method can result in a higher split half reliability than tests scored by the traditional right-wrong method. (Authors)

Suggests that the correction procedure proposed by Clark and Mirels (Journal of Educational Measurement, 1970, 7, 83-86) is at best a partial correction. The merit of other precedures should be considered. (GS)

Using the computer to help interpret the results of psychological and personality inventories. (RA)

Objective procedures for converting test data into counseling information are discussed and illustrated, with special attention being given to similarity scores and similarity score profiles. Local validity studies are needed to support data-information conversion procedures. Computer-based systems are also valuable. (Author)

A study showed that student opinion could be affected by publishing results of earlier student ratings, but that these influences were not permanent; course changes would be reflected in later ratings. (DR)

It was hypothesized that WISC subtests lend themselves to highly objective scoring and therefore ratings would be highly comparable. Results revealed discrepancies between raters. (Author)

The voting system in judging music competitions contains certain biases that affect the final results. Weaknesses of the system and possible reforms are discussed. (RM)