ERIC Number: ED223672
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1981-Oct
Pages: 84
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: ISBN-951-45-2450-0
ISSN: ISSN-0073-179X
EISSN: N/A
Psychometric Test Theory and Cognitive Processes: A Theoretical Scrutiny and Empirical Research. Research Bulletin No. 57.
Leino, Jarkko
This report is the third in a series of research projects concerning abilities and performance processes, particularly in school mathematics. A theoretical scrutiny of traditional psychometric testing, cognitive processes, their interrelationships, and an empirical application of the theoretical considerations on the level of junior secondary school comprised the current study. Psychometric testing has been used to reveal mental processes demanded in task performance. It has been noted that most tasks can be executed by the examinees in several manners. Therefore, factorizing test scores may not reveal basic dimensions of performing processes. Cognitive theory focuses on very basic processes underlying test performance. Thus far, the research results of cognitive theory have been primitive when compared with the conceptual level of school instruction. Cognitive processes were described in terms of relevant level of school instruction in the empirical section of the study. Mathematical thinking and performing processes were well described by the system developed for the study. Results indicated that the processes used in the study explain most of the variances of "primary" abilities and achievements in mathematics. These processes also reveal valuable information about individual differences of the students. (Author/DWH)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Helsinki Univ. (Finland). Inst. of Education.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A