Test-Retest Reliability & Error Variance

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A researcher aims to measure a personality trait expected to remain stable over several months. Which reliability assessment method is most suitable?

Parallel-forms reliability
Split-half reliability
Test-retest reliability (correct)
Internal consistency

What is a significant concern when using the test-retest method with short intervals between tests?

Reduced anxiety in test takers
Carryover effects influencing the second test (correct)
Increased accuracy due to familiarity
Decreased motivation on the second test

A student takes the same aptitude test twice within a week and scores significantly higher on the second attempt. This is an example of what?

Regression to the mean
Decreased test reliability
Improved test validity
Practice effect (correct)

When would assessing reliability using the test-retest method NOT be appropriate?

When measuring something assumed to fluctuate over time. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus when evaluating parallel-forms reliability?

The consistency of scores across different test forms (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is LEAST likely to contribute to test-taker related error variance?

Standardized test instructions (C) Signup and view all the answers

An examiner's demeanor and physical appearance are MOST relevant to which type of error variance?

Examiner-related variables (A) Signup and view all the answers

What has significantly reduced error variance in test scoring for many types of tests?

The advent of computer scoring (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of assessment still commonly requires scoring by trained personnel, making it more susceptible to scorer-related error variance?

Individually administered intelligence tests (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of surveys and polls, what does the 'margin of error' primarily reflect?

The estimated variability in the results (A) Signup and view all the answers

Sampling error in a political poll MOST directly refers to:

The degree to which the sample represents the voting population (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'coefficient of stability' associated with?

Test-retest reliability with an extended interval (D) Signup and view all the answers

If a questionnaire administered on September 20th and again on September 27th shows inconsistent responses to the same question, this primarily suggests a problem with:

Test-retest reliability (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'error' in psychological testing?

The discrepancy between an individual's observed test score and their true score. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to measure anxiety levels using a new questionnaire. However, they notice that participants' scores fluctuate significantly depending on the room's temperature. This fluctuation primarily reflects error associated with:

Test administration. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A test developer creates two versions of an exam covering the same material. Students taking version A score significantly higher on average than those taking version B. This difference primarily reflects error variance related to:

Item sampling. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a testtaker variable that could contribute to error variance?

A testtaker experiencing significant anxiety due to personal problems. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of psychological testing, what is the relationship between observed score, true score, and error?

Observed score = True score + Error (B) Signup and view all the answers

A psychologist is developing a new test to measure depression. To minimize error variance related to test construction, what should they prioritize?

Including a diverse and representative sample of items covering the construct of depression. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A clinician reviews a patient's repeated test scores, noting considerable variation despite no significant life changes. What should the clinician consider regarding the test's reliability?

The test may have low reliability, indicating a large error component. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A school district is deciding between two standardized reading comprehension tests. Test A has a reliability coefficient of 0.75, while Test B has a reliability coefficient of 0.92. Considering the importance of making accurate placement decisions for students, which test is preferable?

Test B, because higher reliability indicates less error variance and more consistent scores. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does a test composed of items measuring multiple constructs influence internal consistency?

It tends to lower internal consistency because the items are not functionally uniform. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a dynamic characteristic that might be measured in psychological testing?

Anxiety level (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely effect of restriction of range on a correlation coefficient calculated from a dataset?

It will lower the correlation coefficient. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In a speed test, what is the primary factor determining a test-taker's score?

The consistency of response speed. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of test is designed to evaluate a test-taker's level of mastery over specific content or skills?

A criterion-referenced test. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a core assumption of Classical Test Theory (CTT)?

Each test-taker has a true score that is influenced by measurement error. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Domain Sampling Theory, what does a test's reliability primarily reflect?

The precision with which the test assesses the broader domain it samples from. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Domain Sampling Theory, how is a domain of behavior (or the universe of items) best characterized?

As a hypothetical construct that shares characteristics with the test items. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between parallel forms reliability and alternate forms reliability?

Parallel forms reliability requires equal means and variances between test forms, while alternate forms reliability does not. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes internal consistency reliability?

The extent to which items on a test correlate with each other, indicating they measure the same construct. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In split-half reliability, what adjustment is typically applied after calculating the correlation between the two halves of the test, and why?

Spearman-Brown formula, to estimate the reliability of the whole test. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is simply dividing a test in the middle NOT recommended when performing a split-half reliability assessment?

It may spuriously raise or lower the reliability coefficient due to factors like increasing item difficulty. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'omnibus spiral format' in test construction, and how does it relate to split-half reliability?

A format where item difficulty increases progressively throughout the test; it necessitates careful consideration when splitting the test for reliability analysis. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which method of splitting a test is generally considered more appropriate for split-half reliability when the test items increase in difficulty?

Assigning odd-numbered items to one half and even-numbered items to the other half. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher calculates a split-half reliability coefficient of 0.60 for a test after dividing it into two halves. Using the Spearman-Brown prophecy formula, what is the estimated reliability of the full test?

0.75 (D) Signup and view all the answers

A test developer creates two versions of a math test. Both versions are designed to measure the same construct, and the developer finds that the means and variances of the test scores on each version are approximately equal. Which type of reliability assessment is MOST appropriate for determining the equivalence of these two tests?

Parallel forms reliability (D) Signup and view all the answers

What key assumption does domain sampling theory make about the relationship between items in the domain and the test?

Items in the domain and the test sample from it have the same means and variances. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In generalizability theory, what is the role of 'facets'?

Facets are variables in the testing situation that can cause test scores to vary. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher conducts a generalizability study and finds that the facet of 'test administrator training' has a large impact on test scores. What does this suggest for future test administrations?

The researcher should standardize test administrator training to improve the consistency of test scores. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do coefficients of generalizability relate to reliability coefficients in true score theory?

Coefficients of generalizability represent the influence of particular facets on a test score, similar to how reliability coefficients do in true score theory. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a decision study in the context of generalizability theory?

To examine the usefulness of test scores in making informed decisions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to generalizability theory, how should a test's reliability be viewed?

A function of the circumstances under which the test is developed, administered, and interpreted. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In Item Response Theory (IRT), what is being modeled?

The probability that a person with a specific ability level will perform at a certain level on a given item. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is most aligned with domain sampling theory?

Measures of internal consistency (A) Signup and view all the answers

Test-Retest Reliability

Consistency of a test measuring stable traits over time.

Carryover Effect

Remembering answers from a previous test administration.