Because criterion referenced measurement is a relatively new approach to testing, systematic guidelines for constructing criterion referenced tests (CRTs) have not yet been developed. A number of questions and issues face the test developer who wishes to provide a test that will be helpful in a particular decision-making situation. There are three…

Performance on high and low level objective test items were compared for two groups of business writing students. Students in individualized classes with one teacher for 50 students did as well on high level tasks as did students in traditional classes with one teacher for 25 students. (Author/GDC)

High-level behavioral objectives did not produce greater learning than low-level, contrary to previous findings using study questions interspersed through written prose. Overt use of objectives at both levels produced greater learning, supporting the idea that procedures requiring semantic encoding are instructionally superior to those requiring…

Presents research data to examine two questions: What do teacher-constructed social studies questions measure? How does the skill of critical thinking relate to a teacher-constructed test? (Author)

This study reports the progress in developing and validating an instrument that can be used to measure critical aspects of a parent's attitudes and behavior that influence child development. This instrument should aid in reaching the goal of treating participants in parent education programs as individuals. (Editor/KC)

The teacher who holds enlarged perspectives is regarded more highly than the teacher whose views tend to narrow perspectives. Since children will be influenced by their teacher's attitudes, an examination of the variables related to enlarged perspectives in teachers is pertinent to a broad education. This research looks at those variables among…

Compares the mathematical concepts and language of the 1937, 1948, and 1962 editions of the Essex Local Education Authority mathematics tests with the 1977 Testing of Attainment in Mathematics Survey (TAMS). Sample test items are given along with two tables analyzing the concepts tested and the language used. For journal availability, see SO 506…

Assuming vectors of item responses depend on ability through a fully specified item response model, this paper presents maximum likelihood equations for estimating the population parameters without estimating an ability parameter for each subject. Asymptotic standard errors, tests of fit, computing approximations, and details of four special cases…

New theory and practice in testing is replacing the standard test by the test item bank and classical test theory by item response theory. Eight papers and a commentary are presented in this special issue concerning test item banking. (SLD)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of test generation programs. Includes setting up, printing exams and "bells and whistles." Reviews eight computer packages for Apple and IBM personal computers. Compares features, costs, and usage. (CW)

Views teacher-made tests as a fundamental part of the educational process, defining instructional purposes, influencing what students study, and helping instructors gain perspective on their courses. Offers examples of test items that can perform these functions, while assessing knowledge and skills. (DMM)

Eight techniques for studying mathematics that can be taught during regular classroom instruction are presented and discussed with illustrations of their classroom use. (MNS)

Suggests open-ended study questions distributed early in the semester and later used on literature exams that will promote independent thinking and develop students' interpretive skills, while at the same time indicating whether the students have benefited fully from reading, lectures, and discussion. (HTH)

Reviews procedures followed in developing a set of science items for Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geology content areas and examines the items' construct validity in relation to a specific technique of evaluation. Analysis supported the items' construct validity and viability for testing certain science skills at the secondary level. (ML)

Two studies examined second- through fifth-grade children's negative-item bias with responses to the Self Description Questionnaire and how it is related to cognitive development and reading achievement. Results showed that younger children and poorer readers responded less appropriately to negative items, thus biasing the interpretations of their…