A logically sound and methodologically easy technique for improving the construct validity of instruments and developed for relatively new concepts is described. It is based on the premise that if an instrument is valid, so should be each item within it and, therefore, the latter should sustain in field setting the behavioral implications derived…

According to a new law, state testing in California should be directed toward broad program evaluation rather than the diagnostic assessment of individual students which should be the responsibility of each local district. The data from the state testing program is used primarily for public information and to facilitate decision making at the…

Since mid-1971 the Instructional Objectives Exchange has been engaged in a major effort to develop and disseminate criterion-referenced tests in the fields of reading, mathematics, language arts, and social studies. This paper isolates the chief technical decision-alternatives faced in this project, such as: (1) the optimal number of tests to…

The purpose of this study was to construct a pictorial instrument and evaluate its effectiveness. The instrument, the Blue Version Biology Pictorial Classroom Test (BVBPCT), was composed of multiple-choice items, each of which posed a question or problem about a pictorial. The 404 subjects for the study were randomly assigned to one of four…

In conjunction with a longitudinal study of the effects of the school environment on the self-concepts and mental health of first- and second-grade students, a primary level group-administered self-report self-concept inventory (PSCI) was developed. The PSCI, based on Pauline Sears' Self-Concept Inventory for middle grades, does not require…

A sample of 22 multiple-choice questions is provided to point up the potentialities of this type question, as well as to dispel the myth that "objective" tests require no thought, insight, or understanding. The questions have been taken from a variety of tests constructed by Educational Testing Service, and are presented as they appeared in the…

The basic steps and procedures in the development of criterion referenced tests (CRT), as well as the issues and problems associated with these activities are discussed. In the first section of the paper, the discussions focus upon the purpose and defining characteristics of CRTs, item construction and selection, improving item quality, content…

The general objective of this study was to study Piaget's notion of the sequential development of number conservation in 85 children averaging 5.9 years of age. The question addressed was to determine if a set of ten equal addition conservation of number tasks were scalable. A large coefficient of reproducibility, .912, was computed. Other indices…

The author outlines attempts in measurement in the objective-evaluation component of a descriptive astronomy course for the non-scientist, how the measurement has been made, and some conclusions tentatively drawn as a result of two attempts at these measurements. The learning objectives and summative performance tests have been conceptually…

To determine the effects of the television program, "Around the Bend" and the Related activities of the home visitor and mobile van teachers, the Appalachia Preschool Test (APT) was developed by the Appalachian Educational Laboratory. APT is used to supplement the standardized instruments being used to measure program performance. The…

The 54 papers related to test development, interpretation, and use that were presented at the 1972 AERA Conference are reviewed. The papers were classified into 11 categories, as follows: A. What to measure--educational objectives; attitude measurement; and creativity; B. How to measure--item types; test development; response modifications;…

This bibliography is a list of theoretical and empirical studies of the Rasch One Parameter Logistic Measurement Model. A total of 96 entries are included. (KM)

A historical description and chronological account of an experience in which an urban school system adopted a criterion-referenced testing program through contract with a publisher is given. A proposal was developed, objectives reviewed, and tests constructed and reviewed. Reports and training programs for school staff were also developed. The…

The stability of various item discrimination indices when a particular item assumes membership within different sets of items was investigated. Results suggest that when item discrimination is used as a significant factor in determing which items from several forms will be selected for inclusion in a test, the actual items selected are less a…

Conventional achievement measurement instruments were not adequate for optimum coordination between classroom and television studio personnel in El Salvador. A more rapid feedback system was tried in 14 seventh grade classrooms. The key factor of this feedback system was that the test results be compiled quickly, preferably within three days, and…