A framework for methodological advances in criterion-referenced testing

Abstract

A vast body of methodological research on criterion-referenced testing has been amassed over the past decade. Much of that research is synthesized in the articles contained in this issue. The fact that this issue is devoted exclusively to criterion-referenced testing sets it apart as a quintessential journal publication on the topic. This paper is intended to provide a broad framework for understanding and evaluating the individual contributions in the context of the literature. The six articles appear to fall into four major categories: (1) test length; (2) validity; (3) standard setting; and (4) reliability. These categories correspond to most of the technical topics in the test development process (see, e.g., Berk, 1980b; Hambleton, 1980).