When testlet effects and item idiosyncratic features are both considered to be the reasons of DIF in educational tests using testlets (Wainer & Kiely, 1987) or item bundles (Rosenbaum, 1988), it is interesting to investigate the phenomena of DIF amplification and cancellation due to the interactive effects of these two factors. This research…

Following an exploratory factor analysis, factor scores may be computed and used in subsequent analyses. Factor scores are composite variables which provide information about an individual's placement on the factor(s). This article discusses popular methods to create factor scores under two different classes: refined and non-refined. Strengths and…

Describes the concept of "adequate yearly progress" as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act and discusses some of the psychometric issues it raises. Examines scaling as a means to equate tests when assessing educational gains and recommends vertically moderated standards over vertical equating of state assessments. (SLD)

Studied perceptions and recommendations from 62 survey researchers about the use of electronic surveys. Reduction of costs, usefulness for prenotification and followup, and comparability with existing software were the most positive aspects cited. Limitations identified included sampling problems and confidentiality and privacy problems. (SLD)

Discusses assumptions of multiple regression that are not robust to violation: linearity, reliability of measurement, homoscedasticity, and normality. Stresses the importance of checking assumptions. (SLD)

Discusses access to and management and interpretation of online data. Considers the new ethical considerations arising when it is not clear whether participants in a conversation know or remember that they are being monitored. Also discusses data collection, preparation, preservation, and analysis. (SLD)

Summarizes relevant research on bilingual language development and discusses implications for bilingual language assessment. Also discusses limitations in current language ability testing practices for bilinguals and proposed future directions for the development of assessment tools and practices with bilinguals. (SLD)

Reviews and evaluates the extent of gender differences in academic cheating behaviors based on previous studies that used self-report data. Findings from 21 studies suggest that substantial proportions of students cheat in high school and college, with only small differences between males and females. (SLD)

Discusses issues involved in data transformation to aid researchers who do not have extensive mathematical backgrounds. Focuses on the use of data transformation for normalization of variables. Emphasizes that researchers should understand their data before performing analyses. (SLD)

Studied the effects of linguistic simplification, a test accommodation designed for students of limited English proficiency (LEP), using data from the Delaware state science assessment program for grades 4 and 6. Findings for 11,306 non-LEP and 109 LEP students show that tests and items can be simplified linguistically without compromising score…

Discusses sociocultural theory and pedagogy in the second language classroom, especially as it relates to student assessment. Suggests authentic assessment (G. Wiggins, 1990) and instructional conversations (R. Tharp and R. Gallimore, 1988) as better methods of student assessment within this sociocultural framework. (SLD)

Addresses the benefits of formative assessment, the diagnostic use of assessment to provide feedback to teachers and students over the course of instruction, and provides examples and resources to supplement its implementation. (SLD)

This document consists of papers published in the electronic journal "Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation" during 2000-2001: (1) "Advantages of Hierarchical Linear Modeling" (Jason W. Osborne); (2) "Prediction in Multiple Regression" (Jason W. Osborne); (3) Scoring Rubrics: What, When, and How?" (Barbara M. Moskal); (4) "Organizational…

Reviews features of assessment and accountability that influence the trustworthiness of information provided and impact educational practices and student learning. Discusses reform based on assessment and accountability, describes salient features in reform efforts, and makes suggestions for assessment and accountability systems. (SLD)

Studied the accuracy and trends of deviation noted in undergraduates' self-reported Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and grade point average (GPA) values. Results for 89 undergraduates show that students had highly reliable ratings of cumulative GPA, but the overall accuracies of self-reported SAT scores were considerably lower than the accuracy…