Testing programs that report a single score based on multiple choice and performance components must face the issue of how to derive the component scores. This paper identifies and logically evaluates alternative component weighting methods. It then examines composite reliability and validity as a function of weights, component reliability,…

Two mathematical programming approaches are presented for the assembly of ability test from item pools calibrated under a multidimensional item response theory model. Item selection is based on Fisher's Information matrix. Several criteria can be used to optimize this matrix. In this paper, the A-criterion and the D-criterion are applied. In a…

Ordinality of three subtests of a sensory-motor series was evaluated in a longitudinal study of infants. Results indicated that scalability can be affected by the responses of infants at different developmental ages. (ST)

The author advocates the construction of test items to measure whether the objectives of teaching have been attained and not to separate out pupils." (Author/AA)

Written remarks concerning an examination are presented. (DB)

The new seventh edition of the Stanford Achievement Test adapted for hearing impaired students incorporates such characteristics as separate reading and math booklets, printing of many of the items previously dictated, elimination or change of items found to be biased, an expanded norms table, and a flexible scoring system. (CL)

Adaptations of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Revised Performance scales for 127 deaf children revealed insignificant differences compared to norms for hearing children. A significant variation was noted within the subtests of deaf subjects of hearing parents: weakness of picture arrangement and coding with relative strength in…

Presents an attempt at simplifying test-making procedures through use of a computer. The advantages of the system over conventional evaluation methods are discussed and an outline of its capabilities and limitations is provided. (BD)

Examined the degree of variation in the accuracy of classifying student performance proficiency-level scores with changes in the number of proficiency levels and the measurement accuracy. Simulation results show the limitations of interpretability of single indexes that are intended to represent classification accuracy. Suggests ways to estimate…

Derived an approximate test and confidence interval for coefficient alpha and used the approximate test and confidence interval to derive closed-form sample size formulas that can be used to determine the sample size needed to test coefficient alpha with desired power or to test coefficient alpha with desired precision. (SLD)

Third step in development of perceptual inventory of factors associated with marijuana use involved administering inventory to 60 parents who were members of community anti-drug group. Factor analysis revealed 5-factor solution that used all 34 items. Scales were labeled Parental Limitations, Societal Issues, Inherent Predispositions,…

Describes development and validation of model of commitment to career choices process, operationally defined by Commitment to Career Choices Scale. Defines two independent constructs pertaining to commitment process: Vocational Exploration and Commitment dimension, reflecting variations in level of commitment to career choices, and Tendency to…

The application of a class of Rasch models is discussed for situations in which test items are grouped into subsets and the common attributes of items within the subsets bring into question the usual assumption of conditional independence. Models are expressed as particular cases of the random coefficients multinomial logit model. (SLD)

Reviews three self-report inventories designed to respond to syndrome of burnout in helping professionals: Maslach Burnout Inventory, Staff Burnout Scale for Health Professionals; and Tedium Scale. Describes each instrument, its development, and related research. Provides recommendations for future research. Discusses suggestions for use of the…