(4) The Effect of Test Speededness on the Validity of Reading Comprehension Scores

S. J. Jolly
Palm Beach County, Florida, Schools

R. Johnson
Palm Beach County, Florida, Schools

B. J. Jones
Palm Beach County, Florida, Schools

J. Abalos
Palm Beach County, Florida, Schools

G. W. Gramenz
Palm Beach County, Florida, Schools

Abstract: This study examined irregularities in reading comprehension (RC) test results at both the individual and aggregate level focusing on the effect of test speededness on test scores. Individual student and classroom score profiles were grouped on the basis of RC subtest completion rates. Groups that completed the RC subtest scored lower on other battery subtests (e.g., Language) than did those that did not complete the RC measure. Given these results, the test publisher agreed to generate norms based on the first 40 items of the 60-item RC sub- test, using the Rasch model. Rescoring the RC subtest with the 40-item norms substantially corrected score irregularities. The implications of these findings for test score validity are discussed.

Citation: Jolly, S. J., Johnson, R., Jones, B. J., Abalos, J., & Gramenz, G. W. (1987). The effect of Test speededness on the validity of reading comprehension scores. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 29(1), 39-54.

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