Research Report Detail
| Title | ||
|---|---|---|
| Measurement Error and SAT Score Change
Donald L. Alderman; | ||
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01/01/1981 Score changes on admission tests such as the SAT can vary widely among individuals repeating the test. To a large extent these score changes reflect the influence of errors of measurement because test candidates with low initial scores usually experience score gains upon retesting while test candidates with high initial scores often show score losses. This study applied a procedure to estimate the true-score change on the SAT adjusted for regression effects and student self-selection. It was shown that student self-selection in deciding to repeat an admission test probably involves factors (in addition to the measurement error) attributable to variations in aspects of test specifications and to variations in responses across forms. In addition, it was found that the estimated true score change remains nearly constant across initial score levels in contrast to the negative slope of observed score change across initial score levels. |
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