Reading Ability, Readability, Motivation and Test Validity,
Abstract
According to a prevalent argument about occupational proficiency testing, multiple-choice tests have built-in sources of invalidity. One such source pertains to the reading competencies required in taking a multiple-choice test. The test, it is argued, requires reading competencies beyond those required by the job itself. Thus, one finds job incumbents whose job performance is outstanding but who cannot score well on a paper-and-pencil test. There is also a rather commonly accepted argument about the interactive effects of reading ability and motivation on performance. How well one handles written material is a function of motivation as well as reading ability. The present paper will analyze the correlation of test performance and reading ability in relation to the readability of the test materials and the motivation of examinees.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADP001297
Entities
People
- Clay V. Brittain
- Mary M. Brittain