Psychometrics_Lecture_12_Applications_and_Issues_in_Ability_Testing

Ability Testing

The process of assessing an individual's ability to acquire knowledge and skills.

Assessment

A systematic process of documenting and using empirical data to measure knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs.

Educational Contexts

Settings such as schools and colleges where formal evaluation of student performance takes place.

Competency

The ability to do something successfully or efficiently, often measured in educational settings.

Minimum Competency Test

A standardized test that assesses whether students possess basic skills necessary for high school graduation.

Value Added Testing

Assessment that measures the growth in a student's academic achievements over time.

Standardized Tests

Examinations that are administered and scored in a consistent manner, used to compare the performance of students.

Functional Literacy

The ability to read, write, and engage in basic mathematical skills to function effectively in everyday life.

Praxis Series

teacher test, measuring various skills and knowledge.

Ethical Standards

Guidelines that direct the behavior of professionals ensuring integrity and fairness in testing.

Criticism of Ability Testing

Concerns regarding the effectiveness, fairness, and implications of ability tests in measuring students' potential.

MCQ critiques

Favours fast readers + encourage guessing

Cheating on Tests

Dishonest practices related to gaining an unfair advantage during examinations.

College Entrance Examinations

Standardized assessments used to determine student eligibility for college admission, like the SAT and ACT.

Educators' Role in Testing

Involvement of teachers and educational professionals in evaluating student progress and understanding.

Legal Matters in Testing

Issues related to the legality and ethical implications of educational testing practices.

Transferable Skills

Skills that are necessary for one job or situation and can easily be transferred to another context.

Bias in Testing

The presence of favoritism or prejudice in assessments, leading to unequal opportunities for different groups.

High-Stakes Testing

Tests that carry significant consequences for students or schools based on the results, such as graduation or funding.

PISA

The Programme for International Student Assessment, evaluating educational systems worldwide by testing the skills of 15-year-old students.

Coaching in Testing

Pre-examination training designed to improve a test taker's performance on standardized assessments.

Psychological Assessments

Evaluations that measure psychological characteristics and abilities, often used in educational settings.

Educational Disparities

Differences in learning outcomes or access to education that exist among different demographic groups.

Performance-Based Testing

An assessment that evaluates students through practical tasks rather than traditional testing methods.

Secretiveness in Testing

Lack of transparency regarding test processes, scoring, and implications for test-takers.

Substantial Validity

The degree to which a test measures what it claims to measure, specifically in predicting future success.

Teacher Evaluation

The process of assessing the performance and effectiveness of educators.

Teachers' Understanding of Tests

The awareness and knowledge teachers have regarding the strength and limitations of the tests they administer.

Test Misinterpretation

Incorrect conclusions drawn from test results, often due to misunderstanding what the scores indicate.

Legal Battles in Testing

Disputes regarding the legality and fairness of standardized testing practices.

Educational Selection Tests

Assessments used to make decisions regarding students' educational placements and opportunities.

Status Quo in Testing

The existing state of affairs regarding educational assessments that may hinder progress and reform.

Competency Test Critiques

Discriminating + lead to teaching to the test