Accuracy of Perceived Test-Item Difficulties.
Abstract
This study investigated the accuracy with which testees perceive the difficulty of ability-test items. Two 41-item conventional tests of verbal ability were constructed for administration to testees in two ability groups. Testees in both the high- and low-ability groups responded to each multiple-choice item by choosing the correct alternative and then rating the item's difficulty relative to their levels of ability. Least-squares estimates of item difficulty, which were based solely on the difficulty ratings, correlated highly with proportion-correct and latent trait estimates of item difficulty based on a norming sample. Results show that item-difficulty perceptions were highly related to the objective indices of item difficulty often used in test construction, and that as testee ability level increased, the items were perceived as being relatively less difficult.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA041084
Entities
People
- David J. Weiss
- J. Stephen Prestwood
Organizations
- University of Minnesota