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Gain analysis in placement test validation: An example of using the Descriptive Tests of Mathematics Skills

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Abstract

The utility of raw gain analysis for validation of college placement tests is demonstrated with scores from the Descriptive Tests of Mathematics Skills. Gains during one semester for students in various freshman level mathematics courses were evaluated. Two junior colleges and three four-year colleges provided the data. In addition to total gains, differential score gains on particular item clusters and gains of students who received good or poor grades in their mathematics courses were evaluated. Results suggest that gain analysis is a useful tool for placement test validation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Educational Research and Evaluation, Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ

    Brent Bridgeman

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  1. Brent Bridgeman
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Bridgeman, B. Gain analysis in placement test validation: An example of using the Descriptive Tests of Mathematics Skills. Res High Educ 15, 175–186 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00979596

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00979596

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