Summary Test Development, Item Analysis, and Fairness

Question 1

What are the steps involved in test development?

Answer 1

• Defining the test’s purpose
• Preliminary design issues
• Item preparation
• Item analysis
• Standardization and ancillary research programs
• Preparation of final materials and publication

These steps ensure a comprehensive approach to creating effective assessments.

Question 2

What does defining the test’s purpose include?

Answer 2

• Establishment of the trait(s) to be measured
• Target audience for the test
• Determining if an appropriate test already exists

This step is crucial for aligning the test with its intended goals.

Question 3

List the preliminary design issues to consider in test development.

Answer 3

• Mode of administration
• Length of the test
• Item format
• Number of scores
• Score reports
• Administrator training
• Background research

These factors influence the overall structure and effectiveness of the test.

Question 4

What is included in item preparation?

Answer 4

• Item writing and review
• Stimulus for response
• Response format
• Conditions governing the response
• Procedures for scoring

Proper item preparation is essential for creating valid and reliable test items.

Question 5

Define selected-response items.

Answer 5

• At least two options given
• Examples: multiple choice, Likert format, graphic rating scale, semantic differential

These items require examinees to select from provided options.

Question 6

Define constructed-response items.

Answer 6

• Presents a stimulus without fixed responses
• Examples: free-response, fill-the-blanks, essay tests, performance assessments

These items allow for more open-ended responses from examinees.

Question 7

What are the methods of scoring essays?

Answer 7

• Holistic scoring
• Analytic scoring
• Point system
• Automated scoring

Different scoring methods can impact the evaluation of written responses.

Question 8

What does item analysis involve?

Answer 8

• Statistical analysis of data from item tryout
• Item tryout
• Statistical analysis
• Item selection

This process helps refine test items for better reliability and validity.

Question 9

What are the two stages of item tryout?

Answer 9

• Informal stage
• Formal stage

These stages help gather feedback and data on test items before finalization.

Question 10

Define item difficulty.

Answer 10

Percent of examinees answering the item correctly

Often referred to as p-values, item difficulty is crucial for assessing test performance.

Question 11

What is item discrimination?

Answer 11

• Ability to differentiate between groups of examinees
• External method
• Internal method

This measure indicates how well an item distinguishes between different levels of ability.

Question 12

What factors influence item selection?

Answer 12

• Total number of items
• Average difficulty level
• High discrimination indexes

These factors contribute to the reliability and validity of the test.

Question 13

What does the standardization program yield?

Answer 13

Norms for the test

Standardization is essential for interpreting test scores in a meaningful way.

Question 14

What does a published test include?

Answer 14

• Technical manual
• Supplementary materials
• Score reports

These components provide essential information for test users and administrators.