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Maximizing test validity by item selection

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Abstract

The exact condition for discardingk items from a test in order to obtain a residual test with higher validity is derived. A proof that validity always increases is given for the casek=1. The lack of uniqueness of maximum validity when achieved by use of the condition is discussed. With the use of additional restrictions on items to be included in the initial test, a practical test construction procedure which has several advantages over previous methods is developed. The homogeneity of tests constructed by the method is discussed, and applications are given.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mellon Foundation Vassar College, USA

    Harold Webster

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  1. Harold Webster
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Webster, H. Maximizing test validity by item selection. Psychometrika 21, 153–164 (1956). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02289096

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02289096

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