To combat difficulties of dictated spelling tests, such as unreliable scoring due to illegible writing and the possibility of clues being provided through the enunciation of words by examiners, a technique was developed for writing experimental spelling tests by computer. Additionally, the diagnostic function of spelling scales was considered…

As an alternative to a classical test theory basis for criterion-referenced test construction, it is proposed that a strict item-sampling model be used. The computer's role in such a model is outlined. The assumptions of the model are carefully defined and its properties reviewed. The relationship between mastery criteria and such sampling plans…

Reported in this document is the development of nine instruments designed to measure social values thought to be "important in the interpersonal relationships" of adolescents and in their relationships with parents and teachers. The instruments sought to measure selected prescriptive values, "some of the social backgrounds for the acquisition of…

A 2-year investigation was initiated to determine the reliability and validity of the New York State competency tests used in selecting candidates for teacher preparation in the trade and industrial programs. The three most widely used tests--auto mechanics, cosmetology, and machine shop--were selected for investigation and further revision.…

To describe and to develop instruments to measure attitudes toward amputees, the blind, and those with cosmetic conditions, three groups of subjects responded to one of three large pools of items tapping attitudes toward the three disability conditions. Three new groups of about 500 subjects of diverse demographic characteristics were given one of…

In this study, which was designed to examine the relationships among teacher behavior, student behavior, and student achievement, the Southwestern Cooperative Educational Laboratory Interaction Observation Schedule (SCIOS) was developed. Using this instrument, pupil behaviors were isolated to assess the degree to which pupils (1) receive, (2)…

Aural comprehension tests, which are designed so that the student can give non-vocal reactions to orally-presented problems are valuable for two reasons: they provide the teacher of English with an objective and accurate measure of the pupils' comprehension and can also be given simultaneously to a large group of students. According to the author,…

Three pyramidal adaptive tests and a conventional peaked test were constructed and administered by computer to two groups of students enrolled in undergraduate psychology courses. Six methods of scoring pyramidal tests were evaluated with respect to score distributions, stability, and the degree of relationship among scoring methods and between…

This paper reports progress in the development of a new Psychosocial Maturity Inventory. The subscales assess Self-reliance, Work Orientation, and Identity--theoretically, aspects of Individual Adequacy; Communication Skills, Knowledge of Major Roles, and Enlightened Trust--conceptualized as aspects of Interpersonal Adequacy; and Social…

An application of the two-paramenter logistic (Rasch) model to tailored testing is presented. The model is discussed along with the maximum likelihood estimation of the ability parameters given the response pattern and easiness parameter estimates for the items. The technique has been programmed for use with an interactive computer terminal. Use…

This report provides an exploratory survey of several aspects of educational testing, with a view toward identifying discrimination against women. Two major ways in which discrimination can occur are examined in educational testing: reinforcement of sex-role stereotypes and restriction of individual choice. Major educational achievement tests are…

The plans and procedures used by four teachers in making good tests are presented, and examples are given to serve as guides. The four tests are: An Objective Achievement Test on Fifth-Grade Arithmetic; An Essay Test to Measure a Special Ability in Eighth-Grade American History; A Tenth-Grade Biology Test Especially Designed to Rank Students in…

The methodology used in the Maine Assessment of Educational Progress in Citizenship and Writing is described in this report. The chapters of the report are: I. Introduction--background and purpose of the project, sampling considerations, Exercise Package development, administration and scoring, and data analysis plan; II. Sample Design--general…

A study was conducted to determine the relationship between motor and verbal ability traits, instructional treatments, and test instruments. Two programed instruments were developed to teach art concepts to sixth grade students. One instrument, termed manipulative, used a programed text with objects and artifacts that the students handled during…

The nature and purpose of criterion-referenced testing is discussed in light of test design procedures. It is seen that the uses to which test results are put are the chief determiners of the appropriate measurement model. A distinction is made between cut-off scores, criterion scores, and mastery scores. The value of certain test construction…