Developmental psychology.pdf

386 Individual Differences
9. Criterion-referenced tests measure change within an individual. The aim is
to assess a person's progress in school, on the job, or in therapy, apart from
the performance of others. A criterion is established, and the person's
progress is measured only against this criterion.
10. Despite limitations, psychological tests probably will continue to be widely
employed. As with any human tool, success depends not only on how well
the test is constructed but also on the user's concern and skill. Since
psychological tests appear to be an integral aspect of highly developed
societies, the constant goal of measurement research is to find ways of
improving them.
Critical Terms
Group tests
Individual tests
Test battery
Item analysis
Reliability
Interjudge reliability
Test-retest reliability
Equivalent-form reliability
Validity
Criterion
Predictive validity
Concurrent validity
Content validity
Construct validity
Cross-validation
Norms
Norm-referenced testing
Criterion-referenced testing
Cross References
Categories of Tests (348). Tests of intelligence and personality are considered in
detail in later chapters (370, 404ff).
Alternatives to Testing (350). The concept of individual differences is
illustrated in the Skeels research on Iowan orphans (84).
Suggested Readings
Anastasi, A. (1982). Psychological testing (5th ed.). New York:
Macmillan. A comprehensive discussion of the most common tests.
Brown, D., & Brooks, L., & Associates. (1984). Career choice and
development: Applying contemporary theory to practice. San Francisco:
Jossey-Bass. Provides a foundation for studying career development.
Ghiselli, E. E., Campbell, J. P., & Zedeck, S. (1981). Measurement theory
for the behavioral sciences. San Francisco: W. H. Freeman. A statistical
and intuitive approach to the fundamental principles.
Ravitch, D. (1984). The uses and misuses of tests. San Francisco: Jossey-
Bass. Considers the controversy in the context of the importance of tests
today.
Sweetland, R. C, & Keyser, D. J. (1983). Tests: A comprehensive reference
for assessments in psychology, education and business. Kansas City: Test
Corporation of America. A comprehensive source.