Educational Measurement (Revised Edition)

Author: Wang Xiaoling (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: Norm-referenced tests are selective and competitive tests. These tests have always been based on the long-established classical test theory. Criterion-referenced tests are achievement-oriented tests, such as tests used in regular teaching across various schools to distinguish whether students have mastered the material; tests to determine whether junior and senior high school students have reached graduation standards; recruitment and selection tests in various industries and professions; qualification certification tests; and professional license tests, etc. Their application scope is broader than that of norm-referenced tests. However, since classical test theory is fundamentally unsuitable for criterion-referenced tests, the development of theory and operational techniques for criterion-referenced tests has lagged far behind that of norm-referenced tests by a considerable margin. Item response theory is a new emerging theory in modern educational and psychological testing. Its theory and operational techniques are significantly superior to classical test theory, and it is suitable for both norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests. As a result, criterion-referenced tests have found a theory and method that are well-suited to them. To reflect this development in educational measurement, the author has supplemented the eleventh and twelfth chapters. Based on the superiority of item response theory and the limitations of classical test theory, it can be inferred that item response theory may eventually replace classical test theory. However, the currently most widely applied model in item response theory is still the binary scoring response model, and its computational procedures are complex. Therefore, the classical test theory, which has played a significant role, continues to serve its purpose. This is also the reason why this book primarily focuses on introducing classical test theory.