A table of specifications is primarily a grid which relates the two major components of an educational objective--the content element and the behavioral element. The processes involved in constructing a table of specifications is discussed. The table provides a more precise and relevant guide to student assessment. (Author/EC)

Answer changes on tests are more likely to be made on items early in a group of questions, toward the end of a test, and on difficult items. The reasons for this student behavior are examined. (Editor/JD)

ANALYSIS, a FORTRAN computer program developed as an aid to investigation of and instruction in the psychometric properties of test items, is described. The program utilizes both correlational and analysis of variance approaches to classical item analysis. (Author/JKS)

Describes how to develop a Likert-scale instrument for determining affective response to poetry on five levels. (DD)

Three age groups in six occupational samples were tested on the SCII and their scale scores were examined for significant differences. Data indicates that interests generally are not different for people of different ages in the same occupation. (Author)

A two-step weighted least squares estimator for multiple factor analysis of dichotomized variables is discussed. The estimator is based on the first and second order joint probabilities. Asymptotic standard errors and a model test are obtained by applying the Jackknife procedure. (Author)

Some implications of the multi-dimensionality of attainment tests are considered and a factor analytic study is reported of the responses to a placement test made by incoming students of English at universities in Germany. (Editor/LBH)

How to identify, assess and systematize reading skills for classroom use. (Editor)

This paper describes tailored testing, in which each testee is presented with a new item on an interactive computer terminal based on his performance on items just taken. The practicality of tailored testing and necessary conditions for developing a tailored testing system are discussed. (Author/JKS)

Reviews individual coping theory and family stress theory to provide a theoretical foundation for assessing adolescent coping. Presents development and testing of an adolescent self-report coping inventory, the Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences. Gender differences in coping styles are discussed. (Author/NB)

Provides recommendations to aid teachers (elementary and secondary) in planning tests, constructing item types (essay, short answer, true-false, or other alternate response, matching, multiple-choice), administering tests, scoring tests, analyzing tests, and using test results. (KH)

Procedures for generating multiple-choice exams in psychology using the Apple IIe computer and the Applewriter II text editing software are described. The model is simple to use and provides flexibility in sequencing the choice of items from an instructor generated pool. (Author/RM)

Tests of creative production given to 75 college students used three different types of instructions. The total number of superior responses was equal for brainstorming and criteria-cued instructions and greater than standard instructions. Criteria-cued instructions worked more efficiently, producing the largest number of creative responses for…

Looks at errors made in assessment by teachers and makes a plea for adequate programs of training in assessment for teachers and for a greater understanding of assessment issues among students and the wider community. (Author/JOW)

Criterion-referenced performance tests (CRPT) provide a realistic method for objectively measuring task proficiency against predetermined attainment standards. This article explains the procedures of constructing, validating, and scoring CRPTs and includes a checklist for a welding test. (JOW)