Psychology of Test Administration and Performance

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Questions and Answers

What was the point gain for the 'practiced, uncoached' group after taking four to eight tests?

6 points (correct)

12 points

8-10 points

4-5 points

What is the conclusion drawn by French and Dear regarding spending money on coaching for the SAT?

It is beneficial for all college applicants.

It is not worth the investment due to minimal gains. (correct)

It should be prioritized over self-study.

It guarantees a passing score.

What is a potential solution suggested for the problem of coaching in standardized tests?

Eliminating standardized tests altogether.

Increasing the length of coaching sessions.

Making self-tutored coaching materials publicly available. (correct)

Inviting more coaches into schools.

How much did the 'practiced and coached' group gain in points?

8-10 points Signup and view all the answers

According to Cronbach, what is the nature of the gains from coaching?

They are rather small. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does not get improved significantly through coaching, as per the provided content?

Exam scores for the poorest candidates Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest is a better alternative to special coaching for improving SAT scores?

Reviewing mathematics on one’s own. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is questioned for its impact on standardization in measurement?

Coaching Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary cause of test anxiety according to the content?

Lifelong frustration over average test results Signup and view all the answers

What effect does test anxiety have on performance?

Causes significant reductions in performance Signup and view all the answers

In Sarason's study, what task were the subjects required to perform?

Memorize difficult two-syllable words Signup and view all the answers

How did the performance of high-anxious subjects change under anxiety-inducing conditions?

It dropped significantly Signup and view all the answers

What type of instructions led to comparable performance between high- and low-anxious subjects?

Neutral and non-threatening instructions Signup and view all the answers

Based on the study, what factor contributes to the disadvantage experienced by high-anxious subjects?

Perception of the situation as a test Signup and view all the answers

Which group was found to perform better regardless of anxiety during the study?

Those with low anxiety levels Signup and view all the answers

What year was the study conducted by Sarason?

1961 Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of standardizing procedures during test administration?

It ensures the reliability and consistency of test results. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to give the same instructions to examinees in a standardized test?

To maintain fairness and consistency across different test sessions. Signup and view all the answers

What would likely happen if Ana failed to standardize the testing materials?

The test results could become invalid and unreliable. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of test administration could be affected by not following the same setup each time?

The potential for bias in the test results could increase. Signup and view all the answers

What is strictly prohibited without prior written permission?

Reproducing parts of the document Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason for distributing materials in the same order during testing?

To prevent confusion that could affect test performance. Signup and view all the answers

How does prior training affect test performance?

It can enhance broader behavior related to test content Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a potential consequence of inconsistent test instructions?

Differences in understanding the test can skew results. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes coaching from education?

Coaching focuses on test-specific preparation Signup and view all the answers

How can standardizing test settings contribute to test outcomes?

By eliminating external factors that could interfere with performance. Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates the effect of training on test scores?

Receiving tutoring in math leading to high math test scores Signup and view all the answers

What role does preparation of materials play in standardized testing?

It ensures the fairness and objectivity of the test. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'behavior domain' refer to in the context of test performance?

Overall conduct and performance related to the test content Signup and view all the answers

What is one implication of the content regarding educational experiences?

Formal or informal training can influence test scores Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely consequence of effective prior training according to the content?

Better performance on tests relevant to trained subjects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices falls under coaching?

Practicing with psychological assessment tests beforehand Signup and view all the answers

What is required to reproduce or distribute any part of the document?

Prior written permission Signup and view all the answers

What must be standardized for scores to be comparable across different individuals?

Testing conditions and scoring procedures Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines an open-ended type of question?

It requires a constructed response Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for scoring standards to be reliable?

To reach reliable scientific research and decisions Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of how answers to essay questions are scored?

By outlining and elaborating responses Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential consequence of having varied scoring standards?

It can lead to inconsistent results Signup and view all the answers

What type of questions allow for manipulation of objects as part of the response?

Open-ended questions Signup and view all the answers

How does standardization in scoring affect test administration?

It ensures a fair assessment across different tests Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Standardization in Test Administration

Uniform procedures enhance reliability in test administration by ensuring consistency across testing sessions.
Importance of maintaining the same setup and instructions is to minimize variability that can affect test results.

Effects of Prior Training on Test Performance

Any educational experience, formal or informal, influences performance on relevant tests, especially in subjects like math.
Distinction between coaching (test preparation via prior practice) and education (broader learning concepts) is crucial in evaluating improvements in test scores.

Test Anxiety

Test anxiety stems from a history of average test performance, leading to a cycle of poor outcomes.
Sarason's study found that high-anxiety participants performed significantly worse under pressure than low-anxiety groups, underscoring the impact of anxiety on performance.

Coaching vs. Test Sophistication vs. Education

Coaching can yield modest score increases (6-10 points), but may not be effective for all candidates; self-study could be equally beneficial.
A debate exists regarding the implications of coaching on test standardization and uniformity in measurement.

Standardization of Procedures in Scoring

To ensure comparability, uniform testing conditions and scoring are essential.
Variability in scoring standards can undermine scientific research and informed decision-making.

Scoring Open-Ended Items

Open-ended tests require subjective scoring, and standardization is paramount to ensure fairness and consistency in evaluations.

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Description

Explore the crucial elements of test administration, including standardization, prior training effects, and the impact of test anxiety. Understand how these factors influence performance and the distinction between coaching and overall education in improving test scores.