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ERIC Number: EJ933666
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Feb
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0663
EISSN: N/A
Assessing Knowledge of Mathematical Equivalence: A Construct-Modeling Approach
Rittle-Johnson, Bethany; Matthews, Percival G.; Taylor, Roger S.; McEldoon, Katherine L.
Journal of Educational Psychology, v103 n1 p85-104 Feb 2011
Knowledge of mathematical equivalence, the principle that 2 sides of an equation represent the same value, is a foundational concept in algebra, and this knowledge develops throughout elementary and middle school. Using a construct-modeling approach, we developed an assessment of equivalence knowledge. Second through sixth graders (N = 175) completed the assessment on 2 occasions, 2 weeks apart. Evidence supported the reliability and validity of the assessment along a number of dimensions, and the relative difficulty of items was consistent with the predictions from our construct map. By Grade 5, most students held a basic relational view of equivalence and were beginning to compare the 2 sides of an equation. This study provides insights into the order in which students typically learn different aspects of equivalence knowledge. It also illustrates a powerful but underutilized approach to measurement development that is particularly useful for developing measures meant to detect changes in knowledge over time or after intervention. (Contains 4 tables and 2 figures.)
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Grade 6; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A