Presented are reasons why teachers should continuously assess their teaching methods and testing procedures. The importance of stating course objectives in measurable terms is stressed. (DB)

Major aim of this study was to distinguish clearly between two interpretations of acquiescence response style. (Authors)

A paper-and-pencil test of seven of Inhelder and Piaget's formal operational schemes was developed. Multitrait-multimethod cross-validation procedures indicated that the objective test is a valid and reliable measure. It has the advantage of use in a large group setting without the need for trained clinical interviewers. (Author/PN)

Outlines the benefits associated with true-false and multiple-choice tests and sets forth rules for writing effective items for such tests. (FL)

Compares the efficacy of objective and holistic writing evaluation, in the context of the freshman writing program evaluation procedure at a west coast university. Indicates that holistic evaluation of writing samples is a far more accurate measure of writing quality and potential. (HTH)

The study investigated the structural corroboration of instructional evaluation information collected from one source (students) by three different methods: responses to objective questionnaire items, written comments to open-ended questions, and group interview results. The three types of information presented a similar general impression of…

Reviews the importance of assessment in placing students in two-year college composition courses and describes the development of the objective English Qualifying Examination used at Northern Virginia Community College. Includes sample test items. (MKM)

As achievement in basic reading declines, the content validity of tests in special subjects may be reduced because examinees cannot read the test items. This study found that reading ability and item format affected test scores in the area of health science for a sample of high school students. (Author/JKS)

Presents a technical description of Radio Shack's TRS-80 microcomputer system. Storage and memory are discussed, as well as limitations of the system and a sample program for coding and scoring true-false questions is given. (RAO)

An increasing number of occupational and educational planning aids are relying on self-estimates of aptitudes rather than objective measures of abilities. A preliminary examination of the accuracy of self-estimated aptitudes with high school seniors (N=74) suggests unsubstantiated self-estimates may lead to decisions based on unrealistic…

Describes an empirical study conducted at the University of Central Oklahoma that investigated the differences in learning outcomes between English as a second language composition courses taught with two different methods, one based on a simulation called GLOBECORP and one on traditional instruction. Discusses progress measured by mandated…

Six methods of scoring multiple true-false items were compared in terms of reliabilities, difficulties, and discrimination. Results suggest that, for norm-referenced score interpretations, there is insufficient evidence to support any one of the methods as superior. For criterion-referenced score interpretations, effects of scoring method must be…

College students rated dissimilarity of pairs of common test item formats. A multidimensional scaling model with individual differences fit to data from 111 students suggested that they used 2 dimensions to distinguish among the formats, 1 separating supply from selection items and 1 based on the number of options. (SLD)

Extended matching, a test item format used currently in medical licensing examinations, is described. Procedures for writing and reviewing such test items are outlined, test development and psychometric advantages are discussed, and issues in test administration and scoring are examined. The extended matching form is also seen as having uses for…