The axioms of a three-set Guttman simplex model are presented and the effects of relaxing the axioms for one of the three sets are examined. This model can be used to define longitudinal developmental scales. (NSF)

A definition of test validity as the ratio of a covariance term to a variance term, analogous to the classical definition of test reliability, is proposed. When error scores on distinct tests are uncorrelated, the proposed definition coincides with the usual one, but it remains meaningful when error scores are correlated. (Author/BW)

There has been little discussion of two conventions common within classroom assessment: the convention of representing student's performance on an assessment using a single score; and the convention of using the average score to summarize a student's performance over a set of assessments. This paper attempts to demonstrate that the assumptions…

Reliability maximizing weights are related to theoretically specified true score scaling weights to show a constant relationship that is invariant under separate linear tranformations on each variable in the system. Test theoretic relations should be derived for the most general model available and not for unnecessarily constrained models.…

The dependence of reliability indices for mastery tests on mean and cutoff scores was examined in the case of three decision-theoretic indices. Dependence of kappa on mean and cutoff scores was opposite to that of the proportion of correct decisions, which was linearly related to average threshold loss. (Author/BW)

A new measure of similarity between persons applicable in Q-analysis is proposed. It allows assumptions of non-orthogonality between the items, across which the similarity is computed. The similarity measure may also be applied in an R-analysis. (Author/JKS)

The clarification provided by Williams and Zimmerman on the reliability of gain scores is translated into recognizable patterns of change that tend to produce reliable or unreliable gain scores. The relevance of the traditional idea of reliability to the measurement of change is also discussed. (SLD)

Uses a framework previously developed to relate outcomes based education and B. Bloom's "Taxonomy of Educational Objectives" to consider ways in which modern test theory can be used to connect aspects of assessment to the curriculum framework and to consider insights this connection might provide. (SLD)

Presents minimization and maximization models for parallel test construction under constraints. The minimization model constructs weakly and strongly parallel tests of minimum length, while the maximization model constructs weakly and strongly parallel tests with maximum test reliability. (Author/SLD)

Psychology is focused on variation between cases (interindividual variation). Results thus obtained are considered to be generalizable to the understanding and explanation of variation within single cases (intraindividual variation). It is indicated, however, that the direct consequences of the classical ergodic theorems for psychology and…

In many instances it is reasonable to assume that the population covariance matrix has positive elements. This assumption implies for the single factor analysis model that the loadings and regression weights for best linear factor prediction are positive. For the multiple factor analysis model where each variable loads on a single factor and a…

Purpose: To provide educationalists with an understanding of the key quality issues relating to multiple-choice tests, and a set of guidelines for the quality assurance of such tests. Design/methodology/approach: The discussion of quality issues is structured to reflect the order in which those issues naturally arise. It covers the design of…

The near universality of gender segregation in middle childhood and early adolescence has stimulated extensive research on sex differences in peer relationship processes. Recent reviews of the literature suggest that although some claims of two-cultures theory have clear empirical support, such as strong preference for same-sex peers over…

This paper discusses the fact that reliability is about scores and not tests and how reliability limits effect sizes. The paper also explores the classical reliability coefficients of stability, equivalence, and internal consistency. Stability is concerned with how stable test scores will be over time, while equivalence addresses the relationship…

A model is proposed for the description of ordinal test scores based on the definition of true score as expected rank; its deviations are compared with results from classical test theory. An unbiased estimator of population true score from sample data is calculated. Score variance and population reliability are examined. (Author/BJG)