Cut Points ITE - 695

Section One n What are Cut Points?

I. Introduction A. The more critical the issue (task) the more critical the cut point (example: programming a machine). 1. Interpretation of readouts. 2. Tolerances in measurement. B. Assumption: Test has both of these: 1. Validity. 2. Reliability. C. Select instrument that best measures action needed (performance vs. explanation).

II Types A. Normative-Referenced Testing (NTR) 1. Significance - Accepted reliability & validity 2. Measurement a. Common Averages: - mode - median - mean

II Types (cont.) b. Variability: - range - quartile deviation - standard deviation 3. Reliability - Historical acceptance

II Types (cont.) B. Criterion-Referenced testing (CRT) 1. Significance a. Testing b. Distribution 2. Measurement a. Judgements b. Variables

II Types (cont.) 3. Reliability a. Criterion not based on normal distribution. b. Data dichotomous, mastery/non-mastery.

NORM REFRENCED TESTING 1. Separate test takers 2. Seek Normal Distribution Curve

NORM REFRENCED TESTING 1.Test items separate test - takers from one another. 2. Normal Distribution Curve.

MEASURES of CENTRAL TENDENCIES n MODE n MEDIAN n MEAN n MEASURES of VARIBILITY or SCATTER – RANGE – DEVIATION (QUARTILE) – DEVIATION (STANDARD)

CRITERION REFERENCED TESTING 1. Test items based on specific objectives. 2. Mastery Curve

Standard normal curve with standard deviations SEE HANDOUT

CRITERION REFRENCED TEST 1. Test Compares to Objectives 2. Mastery Distribution

Norm-Reference Testing GOALS RELIABILITY VALIDITY ADMINISTRATION STANDARD MOTIVATION COMPETITION INSTRUCTIONAL DOMAIN Criterion Referenced Testing Test Achievement Usually High Instruction Dependent Standard Averages-Based Avoidance of Failure Student to Student Low Level Cognitive Test Performance Mastery Usually Unknown Usually High Variable Performance Levels Based Likelihood of Success Student to Criterion Cognitive or Psychomotor

Comparison models ? INPUTPRODUCT (Instruction) (NRT Results) Model For NRT Construction DESIGN TESTINPUTPRODUCT MODIFY? NOYES (Instruction)(CRT Results) (Test, Objectives, or Instruction) Model For CRT Construction

Mastery curve SEE HANDOUT

Frequency distributions with standard deviations of various sizes SEE HANDOUT

Section II Establishing Cut Points Three Primary Procedures

ESTABLISHING CUT-POINT 1. Informed Judgement 2. Conjectural Approach 3. Contrast Group

I. Informed Judgement A. Significance: Separates mastery from non- mastery B. Procedure: 1. Analyze consequences of mid- classification (political, legal, or operational). 2. Gather previous test-taker data. 3. Ask other stakeholders. 4. Make decision.

II Conjecture Method A. Significance: “Angoff-Nedeisky Method” - most useful. B. Procedure: 1. Select three informed judges. 2. Estimate probability of correct response. 3. Chosen cut-off is average of the three judges.

III Contrast Group Method A. Significance: Single strongest technique; should still use human judgement. B. Procedure: 1. Select judges to identify mastery/non-mastery. 2. Select equal groups (15 minimum, 30 optimum). 3. Administer mastery/non-mastery test to both groups. 4. Plot scores on distribution chart. 5. Make critical cut-off where two distributions intersect. 6. Adjust score between highest non-master and lowest master. score.

Establishing A Criterion Cut- Point Mastery Level - (Separates master from non-master) 1. Informed judgement 2. Conceptual Approach 3. Control groups

Establishing A Criterion Cut- Point (cont.) Mastery Level - (Separates master from non master) 1. Informed judgement 2. Conceptual Approach 3. Control groups

Establishing A Criterion Cut- Point (cont.) Mastery Level - (Separates master from non master) 1. Informed judgement 2. Conceptual Approach 3. Control groups

Contrasting group method of cut-off score selection chart. SEE HANDOUT

Section Three: Reliability

I. Types A. Internal Consistency 1. Kuder-Richardson Method. 2. Computer Statistical Package. 3. Problem: Lack of variance. 4. Problem: Excludes items that measure unrelated objectives. B. Test-Retest Score Consistency.

Review Types of Validity: Methods of Establishing Cut-Points 1. Content 1. Informed Judgment 2. Construct 2. Conjecture Method 3. Criterion-related 3. Contrast Group Method Types of Reliability: 1. Test-Retest 2. Internal Consistency 3. Equivalent forms 4. Interrupter reliability

Section Four: Review Questions n Validity cannot exist without reliability. (True or False) n Since CRT relies on judgment rather than normal distribution for scoring, how is reliability assured? n If it becomes necessary for you to establish cut- point for your training program, which of the three methods would you use and why? (Informed judgment, Conjecture method, or Contrast group method)

Norm-Reference Testing GOALS RELIABILITY VALIDITY ADMINISTRATION STANDARD MOTIVATION COMPETITION INSTRUCTIONAL DOMAIN Criterion Referenced Testing Test Achievement Usually High Instruction Dependent Standard Averages-Based Avoidance of Failure Student to Student Low Level Cognitive Test Performance Mastery Usually Unknown Usually High Variable Performance Levels Based Likelihood of Success Student to Criterion Cognitive or Psychomotor