Key Concepts in Test Measurement and Interpretation

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and key concepts related to test measurement and interpretation, which will help prepare for exams on the subject.

Raw Scores

The number of questions a student answered correctly; important for comparison with other metrics.

Achievement Test

A standardized test intended to measure an individual’s current level of skill or knowledge in a given subject.

Standard Scores

Scores with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15.

Scaled Scores

Adjusted scores that account for differences in test difficulty across different administrations. Mean of 10 standard deviation of 3.

Population

People the sample intends to represent.

Sample

A carefully chosen subset of a population used as a representative of the whole.

Age Equivalent (AE) Norms

Scores that reflect the average performance of individuals at a certain age.

Grade Equivalent (GE) Norms

Scores representing the typical performance of students at a certain grade level.

Composite Scores

Scores that summarize performance across multiple sections of a test.

Percentiles

Ranks that show the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than a certain score.

Proficiency Levels

Categories of performance to indicate whether students meet predefined standards.

Confidence Interval

An estimate of the interval of probable values of the population based on a sample.

Index Scores

Scores comprised of two or more subtests, often targeting specific areas.

Standardization

The process of making a test uniform for all test-takers.

Aptitude Tests

Tests that assess a student's potential to succeed in a specific field of study.

Diagnostic Tests

Tests designed to identify students' strengths and weaknesses in specific areas.

Validity

The degree to which evidence supports the interpretations of test scores.

Test-retest Reliability

The consistency of test scores over time.

Inter-rater Reliability

The consistency of test scores among independent judges.

Internal Consistency Reliability

The consistency of different items intended to measure the same construct.

Mean

The average score, obtained by dividing the sum of scores by the number of scores.

Median

The midpoint score when all scores are ordered.

Mode

The score(s) that occur(s) most frequently in the dataset.

Normal Distribution

A theoretical distribution that is bell-shaped, characterized by a mean of 0 and standard deviation of 1.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Conditions originating in the developmental period, often diagnosable in childhood.

Specific Learning Disabilities

A discrepancy between scores on assessments of intellectual abilities and academic skills.

Dyslexia

A reading learning disability characterized by difficulties in basic reading and/or reading comprehension.

Dyscalculia

A math learning disability characterized by difficulties in basic math concepts and/or math problems.

Dysgraphia

A writing learning disability characterized by difficulties in spelling, grammar, and written expression.

Test Administration

Guidelines regarding the administration of tests to maintain consistency and rapport.