The present study is designed to cross-validate the findings of an earlier component analysis of orthographic-projection, spatial-ability items. The earlier research identified four design components that contribute to the difficulty of orthographic-projection items. The research found that increasing Rasch item difficulties on component…

In actual test development practice, the number of test items that must be developed and pretested is typically greater, and sometimes much greater, than the number eventually judged suitable for use in operational test forms. This has proven to be especially true for analytical reasoning items, which currently form the bulk of the analytical…

Despite the existence of little empirical evidence for their effectiveness, many techniques have been suggested for writing multiple-choice items. The option "none of the above" (NA) has been widely used although a recent review of empirical studies of NA suggests that, while generally decreasing the difficulty index, NA also decreases…

The International Test Commission formed a 13-person committee of psychologists representing a number of international organizations to prepare a set of guidelines for adapting educational and psychological tests. The committee has worked for 3 years to produce near final drafts of 22 guidelines organized into 4 categories: (1) context; (2)…

It is proposed that the assembly of tests for the measurement of multiple abilities be based on targets for the (asymptotic) variance functions of the estimators in each of the abilities. A linear programming model is presented that can be used to computerize the assembly process. Several cases of test assembly dealing with multidimensional…

A procedure for checking the score equivalence of nearly identical editions of a test is described. The procedure employs the standard error of equating (SEE) and utilizes graphical representation of score conversion deviation from the identity function in standard error units. Two illustrations of the procedure involving Scholastic Aptitude Test…

The controversy regarding reverse or negatively-worded survey stems has been around for several decades. The practice has been used to guard against acquiescent or response set behaviors. A 20-item, 5-point Likert item survey was designed and the stems and response sets were varied in a 2 by 3 design. One independent variable was type of item…

Various memoranda concerning language test development procedures and technical operations are compiled for staff at the Kuwait University Language Center from the Office of Tests and Measurement. The memoranda are of interest to Unit Test Representatives but also are intended to provide guidance to unit supervisors, course coordinators, and…

Equating a test form to itself through a chain of equatings, commonly referred to as circular equating, has been widely used as a criterion to evaluate the adequacy of equating. This paper uses both analytical methods and simulation methods to show that this criterion is in general invalid in serving this purpose. For the random groups design done…

This paper provides a review of procedures for detection of differential item functioning (DIF) for item response theory (IRT) and observed score methods for the graded response model. In addition, data from a test anxiety scale were analyzed to examine the congruence among these procedures. Data from Nasser, Takahashi, and Benson (1997) were…

This paper, presented in an outline format, provides general suggestions for the format of classroom tests and offers guidelines for adapting commercial tests that accompany textbooks for students with disabilities. Suggestions include, for example, using visual prompts to focus attention on important words, symbols, or procedures; and not…

Several innovations in educational testing are discussed as alternatives to standardized tests. (RC)

A short facts quiz can be an effective opener in an adult education class. Although true-and-false quizzes work well, facts quizzes do not need to have a dichotomous structure. However, questions should be based on the content to be covered in the course, and it is best to use questions that are empirical in nature. Such facts-based quizzes allow…

Climate surveys are an important diagnostic tool in organization development. The purposes of this paper are to: (1) present the advantages and disadvantages of using a survey as a diagnostic tool, as compared to interviewing, observation, and the use of secondary (preexisting and non-intrusive) information; (2) argue for customized climate…

This document defines suffering as the affective aspect of the pain experience while the cognitive aspect of the pain experience is the sensation of pain. It considers personal suffering, which mean's one's own suffering, and not the suffering of other people. It notes that a particular interpretation of suffering may be formulated in any number…