Of Test and Testing

Question 1

a relatively enduring characteristic that distinguishes one individual from another.

Answer 1

Traits

Question 2

similar to traits but less enduring

Answer 2

States

Question 3

encompass a wide range of characteristics, including intelligence, cognitive style, adjustment, interests, attitudes, and personality

Answer 3

Psychological traits

Question 4

Assumption 1

Answer 4

Psychological Traits and States Exist

Question 5

The meaning of a test score depends on how the trait was defined and what behaviors are considered indicative of it.

Answer 5

Defining and Measuring Traits

Question 6

The relative importance of different items is determined by technical considerations, the definition of the construct, and societal values.

Answer 6

Item Selection and Weighting

Question 7

Test scores are derived from examinee responses and are presumed to represent the strength of the targeted ability or trait.

Answer 7

Scoring and Interpretation

Question 8

Assumption 2

Answer 8

Psychological Traits and States Can Be Quantified and Measured

Question 9

obtained sample of behavior is used to make inferences about how the individual might behave in real-world situations.

Answer 9

Predicting Future Behavior

Question 10

psychological tests may be used to understand behavior that has already occurred, such as a criminal defendant’s state of mind at the time of a crime.

Answer 10

Postdicting Past Behavior

Question 11

tests provide only a sample of behavior and cannot fully reconstruct someone’s state of mind.

Answer 11

Limitations of Testing

Question 12

Assumption 3

Answer 12

Test-Related Behavior Predicts Non-Test-Related Behavior

Question 13

Competent test users understand how a test was developed, its intended use, and its limitations.

Answer 13

Understanding Test Development

Question 14

Test users acknowledge the limitations of the tests they use and understand how those limitations might be compensated for by data from other sources.

Answer 14

Recognizing Limitations

Question 15

Ethical codes of assessment professionals emphasize the importance of test users knowing the tests they use and being aware of their limitations

Answer 15

Ethical Considerations

Question 16

Assumption 4

Answer 16

Tests and Other Measurement Techniques Have Strengths and Weaknesses

Question 17

refers to factors other than what a test attempts to measure that can influence performance

Answer 17

Error

Question 18

Test scores are always subject to questions about the degree to which error is present.

Answer 18

Error in Measurement

Question 19

include the assessee’s physical or emotional state, the assessor’s professionalism, and the quality of the measuring instrument itself.

Answer 19

Sources of Error Variance

Question 20

assumes that each testtaker has a true score that would be obtained if not for the random action of measurement error.

Answer 20

Classical True Score Theory

Question 21

Assumption 5

Answer 21

Various Sources of Error Are Part of the Assessment Process

Question 22

Test developers strive to create instruments that are fair when used in accordance with guidelines.

Answer 22

Fairness in Testing

Question 23

Some fairness-related issues are more political than psychometric, such as debates surrounding affirmative action programs. The question often becomes “What do we as a society wish to accomplish by using this test?”

Answer 23

Political Considerations

Question 24

It’s important to remember that tests are tools and, like any tool, can be used properly or improperly.

Answer 24

Tests as Tools

Question 25

Assumption 6

Answer 25

Testing and Assessment Can Be Conducted in a Fair and Unbiased Manner

Question 26

Tests are essential for making informed decisions in various areas, such as education, employment, and healthcare.

Answer 26

Importance of Testing

Question 27

Tests help to identify individuals' strengths and weaknesses, diagnose educational and psychological difficulties, and screen recruits for key variables.

Answer 27

Benefits of Testing

Question 28

Assumption 7

Answer 28

Testing and Assessment Benefit Society

Question 29

refers to the consistency of a measuring tool

Answer 29

Reliability

Question 30

refers to the accuracy of a test

Answer 30

Validity

Question 31

A __________ measures what it claims to measure

Answer 31

Valid Test

Question 32

evaluates an individual's score by comparing it to the scores of a group of testtakers. This helps determine an individual's standing relative to others.

Answer 32

Norm-Referenced Testing

Question 33

refers to the number of items answered correctly, multiplied by 100 and divided by the total number of items. It's not the same as a percentile.

Answer 33

Percentage Correct

Question 34

rank test scores within a distribution. The xth percentile represents the score at or below which x% of scores fall.

Answer 34

Percentile Ranking

Question 35

the entire group of interest

Answer 35

Population

Question 36

a portion of the population that is representative of the whole

Answer 36

Sample

Question 37

has clearly specified procedures for administration and scoring, typically including normative data. This ensures that all testtakers take the test under the same conditions.

Answer 37

Standardized Test

Question 38

makes test scores more comparable across different testtakers. It helps ensure that differences in scores reflect actual differences in ability, not variations in testing conditions.

Answer 38

Standardization

Question 39

assesses an individual's performance against a predetermined standard or criterion.

Answer 39

Criterion-referenced evaluation