Sample interview questions: How do you approach test construction and item writing?
Sample answer:
- Determine the Test’s Purpose and Objectives:
- Clearly define the purpose of the test.
- Specify the target population and the specific information you aim to assess.
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Establish the intended uses of the test scores (e.g., screening, diagnosis, selection).
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Conduct a Thorough Literature Review:
- Review existing tests and research relevant to the construct you intend to measure.
- Identify gaps in knowledge or limitations of existing measures.
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Gather information on the psychometric properties of similar tests.
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Define the Test’s Content and Construct:
- Delineate the specific content areas or subdomains to be covered by the test.
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Carefully define the construct or trait you are measuring, ensuring it is clearly operationalized and measurable.
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Generate a Test Blueprint:
- Develop a table that outlines the content areas and the number of items to be included for each area.
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Assign appropriate weights to different content areas based on their relative importance.
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Write Test Items:
- Create items that are relevant to the test’s purpose and objectives.
- Ensure items are clear, concise, and unambiguous.
- Avoid items that are too easy or too difficult, aiming for a range of difficulty levels.
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Incorporate a mix of item formats (e.g., multiple-choice, true-false, short answer, essay) to assess different aspects of the construct.
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Review and Revise Items:
- Conduct pilot testing with a small sample of participants to assess item clarity, difficulty level, and appropriateness.
- Revise items based on feedback from pilot testing and expert review.
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Continue this process until i… Read full answer