Educational Measurement and Evaluation - PSY 311

A collection of 100 flashcards based on the notes for Educational Measurement and Evaluation course covering key concepts in statistics, measurement, evaluation, reliability, validity, and assessment methodologies.

What is statistics concerned with?

Statistics is concerned with scientific methods of collecting, organizing, summarizing, presenting, analyzing data, and drawing valid conclusions.

Define a variable in the context of statistics.

A variable is any single property or characteristic that different individuals can possess in different quantities.

List the four levels of measurement.

Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, Ratio.

What is descriptive statistics?

Descriptive statistics involves organizing and summarizing data without making inferences beyond the sample.

What is inferential statistics?

Inferential statistics involves making conclusions about a population based on a representative sample.

What is data?

Data are numerical information collected from measurements.

How do we obtain data?

Data are obtained through measurement.

What method is used for measuring psychological variables?

Psychological variables are often measured indirectly, such as through tests.

Give the definition of measurement.

Measurement is assigning numbers to individuals or objects in a systematic way to represent their properties.

What defines normal distribution?

Normal distribution is a bell-shaped, symmetrical curve where the mean, median, and mode are equal.

What encompasses the characteristics of interval scale?

An interval scale has equal intervals and allows for meaningful statements about the differences between measurements.

What is the significance of the mean in statistics?

The mean is the average of a set of numbers, providing a central point around which values balance.

What is the relationship between reliability and validity?

Reliability refers to the consistency of a test, while validity refers to the accuracy of the test in measuring what it is supposed to measure.

Define validity.

Validity is the extent to which a test measures what it is intended to measure.

What are the three types of validity?

Content validity, criterion-related validity, and construct validity.

What is a test blueprint?

A test blueprint is a plan that shows the relationship between the content coverage and cognitive processes of an exam.

What does a higher standard deviation indicate?

A higher standard deviation indicates a greater spread of scores in a distribution.

How is reliability estimated?

Reliability is estimated through test-retest methods, equivalent forms methods, and internal consistency methods.

What is the purpose of item analysis in tests?

Item analysis evaluates the quality of items in a test and helps determine which items are effective in measuring student knowledge.

What defines a correlation in statistics?

Correlation measures the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables.

What is the formula for Pearson correlation coefficient?

rxy = Cov(X,Y) / (SDX * SDY).

What does a correlation coefficient of 0 indicate?

A correlation coefficient of 0 indicates no relationship between the variables.

What is a scatter diagram?

A scatter diagram is a graph that visualizes the relationship between two variables.

What distinguishes a speed test from a power test?

A speed test has a time limit, while a power test does not, allowing for the assessment of higher-level skills.

Define standardized scores.

Standardized scores are normalized measures expressed as whole numbers, typically evaluated against known metrics.

What is a percentile rank?

Percentile rank indicates the percentage of scores that fall at or below a given score.

How do you compute the mean of a grouped frequency distribution?

Mean = (Σ(frequency * class mark)) / total frequency.

What is the purpose of the Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient?

The Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient is used to measure the strength and direction of association between two ranked variables.

What does the term 'item difficulty index' mean in test analysis?

The item difficulty index indicates the proportion of respondents who answered a test item correctly.

What is the effect of adding a constant to all values in terms of correlation?

Adding a constant to all values does not change the correlation coefficient.

Discuss the types of errors that affect test scoring.

Errors include central tendency, leniency, severity, halo effect, and logical errors.

What is the purpose behind creating culture-fair tests?

Culture-fair tests aim to eliminate bias against individuals from diverse backgrounds.

What is the difference between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests?

Norm-referenced tests compare scores against a group, while criterion-referenced tests determine mastery of a criterion without comparing to others.

Define construct validity.

Construct validity measures the degree to which a test accurately assesses a theoretical construct.

What distinguishes qualitative research from quantitative research?

Qualitative research focuses on understanding meaning and experiences, while quantitative research emphasizes numerical measurement and analysis.

Explain the term 'construct' in research.

A construct is a theoretical concept that is not directly measurable but can be inferred from test scores or behaviors.

What is the relationship between item analysis and test validity?

Item analysis helps in identifying effective and ineffective test items, which directly affects the overall validity of the test.

How many standard deviations does approximately 68% of the data fall within for a normal distribution?

Approximately 68% of the data falls within one standard deviation of the mean.

What is the main focus of educational measurement?

Educational measurement focuses on assessing knowledge, skills, and abilities through various testing methods.

List the factors influencing test reliability.

Factors include test length, item difficulty, group homogeneity, objectivity, and speed.

What is the difference between formative and summative evaluation?

Formative evaluation assesses student learning during instruction, while summative evaluation measures learning at the end.

What is the main purpose of measuring educational outcomes?

Measuring educational outcomes helps determine the effectiveness of instructional methods and learning results.

Describe the significance of a test's construction.

Proper test construction ensures that assessments are reliable and valid, effectively measuring student knowledge.

What is the relationship between measurement and evaluation?

Measurement provides numerical descriptions of performance, whereas evaluation adds judgment about performance quality.

What is the benefit of utilizing technology in testing?

Technology in testing can improve the accessibility, efficiency, and scalability of assessments.

Define 'cognitive processes' as per Bloom's taxonomy.

Cognitive processes involve remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating knowledge.

What defines the ideal test conditions?

Ideal test conditions include time limits, clear instructions, appropriate content, and a fair grading process.

What is the difference between psychological tests and assessments?

Psychological tests measure specific traits or abilities, while assessments provide a broader evaluation of an individual's competencies.

What is a 'test item'?

A test item is a specific question or task used in a test to assess knowledge or skills.

What are performance tests designed to measure?

Performance tests assess a person's ability to execute tasks or demonstrate skills in practical situations.

What is the significance of using a Table of Specifications in test construction?

A Table of Specifications ensures that a test aligns with instructional objectives and covers all relevant content areas.

Define 'test retest reliability.'

Test retest reliability measures the consistency of test scores over two or more administrations of the same test.

What does a negative Pearson correlation coefficient indicate?

A negative Pearson correlation coefficient indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease.

What is the role of error variance in reliability assessment?

Error variance reflects the variability in scores due to measurement error, impacting the reliability of a test.

Describe the process of computing the mean deviation.

Mean deviation is computed by averaging the absolute differences between each data point and the mean.

What factors contribute to group homogeneity in testing?

Group homogeneity is influenced by factors such as similar backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and cognitive skills.

What is the significance of the distribution of scores in educational measurement?

The distribution of scores provides insights into student performance and the effectiveness of instruction.

What implications does a bimodal distribution have for test results?

A bimodal distribution suggests the presence of two distinct groups within the test population, indicating varied mastery levels.

How can performance data be visually represented in educational measurement?

Performance data can be visually represented through graphs, charts, and scatter diagrams to depict relationships and trends.

What is the purpose of conducting item analysis for multiple-choice tests?

Item analysis for multiple-choice tests helps identify which items effectively discriminate between high and low-performing students.

Outline the steps to create an effective test blueprint.

To create an effective test blueprint, identify instructional objectives, determine content areas, and establish the number of items for each category.

What role does the standard error of measurement play in reliability?

The standard error of measurement quantifies the expected error in scores, providing insight into the precision of test scores.

What factors determine test validity?

Test validity is determined by the extent to which the test measures the intended constructs and aligns with established standards.

How does item discrimination impact test quality?

High item discrimination indicates that the item effectively differentiates between students of varying ability levels.

What is one advantage of using essay questions in assessments?

One advantage of essay questions is their ability to measure complex understanding and critical thinking skills.

Why might a teacher prefer objective tests over essay tests?

A teacher might prefer objective tests because they are easier to grade and often yield consistent scoring.

In what situation would you recommend using a mixed test format?

A mixed test format is recommended when assessing a variety of skills and understandings that require both objective and subjective responses.

Explain how context influences test interpretation.

The context of a test, including the conditions under which it is administered and the characteristics of the test-takers, can significantly affect interpretation.

What is the impact of cultural bias on testing?

Cultural bias can lead to unfair advantages or disadvantages for test-takers from various backgrounds, affecting test outcomes.

How can test results inform educational practice?

Test results can guide instructional planning, identify areas for improvement, and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching strategies.

What are the ethical considerations in testing and evaluation?

Ethical considerations include fairness, transparency, and ensuring that tests do not discriminate or disadvantage any group of students.

Describe the significance of continuous assessment in education.

Continuous assessment provides ongoing feedback to students and teachers, allowing for timely adjustments in instruction and learning strategies.

What is the goal of formative evaluation?

The goal of formative evaluation is to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback for improvement.

How does standardized testing influence educational equity?

Standardized testing can both highlight and exacerbate inequities in education by reflecting systemic disparities in resources and opportunities.

What is the concept of a 'cut-off score' in testing?

A cut-off score is a predetermined score used to determine whether a student passes or fails a test.

How does feedback from assessments impact student motivation?

Constructive feedback from assessments can enhance student motivation by providing clear guidance on areas for improvement and acknowledging successes.

What are the potential drawbacks of high-stakes testing?

High-stakes testing can create pressure on students and educators, lead to teaching to the test, and may not accurately reflect a student's overall capabilities.

Explain why illegal or unethical practices in testing undermine educational integrity.

Illegal or unethical practices in testing compromise the validity of results, erode trust in educational systems, and can perpetuate inequalities.

What is the role of peer assessment in educational contexts?

Peer assessment encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and self-reflection among students, enhancing their learning experience.

How does cognitive load theory apply to test design?

Cognitive load theory suggests that test design should minimize extraneous load to optimize student focus on relevant material.

What are some strategies for reducing test anxiety in students?

Strategies include providing clear instructions, practice opportunities, and fostering a positive classroom environment.

How can technology be integrated into assessment practices?

Technology can enhance assessment practices through online testing, automated scoring, and interactive feedback systems.

What is the importance of aligning assessments with learning objectives?

Aligning assessments with learning objectives ensures that the evaluation accurately reflects the intended outcomes of the educational curriculum.

What is the impact of item writing quality on assessment efficacy?

High-quality item writing improves assessment efficacy by accurately measuring students' knowledge and skills.

Why is it essential to regularly review and update test items?

Regular reviews ensure that test items remain relevant, fair, and aligned with current educational standards and practices.

Discuss the importance of transparency in testing processes.

Transparency in testing processes builds trust among stakeholders and ensures accountability in educational evaluation.

What role does community feedback play in educational testing?

Community feedback can provide insights into the effectiveness and fairness of testing practices and inform improvements.