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Measurement Theory in Action
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Measurement Theory in Action
Case Studies and Exercises



456 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
'This book provides all the information one would need to perform classical test theory analyses for reliability, item analysis, etc., and relieves professors of the need to come up with such information on their own. This allows them to concentrate on presenting the mathematical and statistical bases for the procedures that students will be using'

- Keith F. Widaman, University of California, Davis

'There is a real need for something like this, and the authors have done a good job covering the domain'

- Kevin Murphy, Pennsylvania State University

The major emphasis of most psychometrics textbooks is on explaining test theory. Although students certainly need this foundation, professors wishing to supplement theory with applied examples and exercises have traditionally had very few sources. Measurement Theory in Action: Case Studies and Exercises is the perfect solution. In this volume, authors Kenneth Shultz and David Whitney provide professors and students the opportunity to implement the theoretical material students are exposed to elsewhere in their courses.

The text comprises twenty modules, each corresponding to entire chapters in typical measurement theory texts. The modules begin with introductory concepts and a review of statistics; progress through conceptions of content, criterion-related, and construct validation, validity generalization and test bias; and they conclude with more advanced topics such as multiple regression and item response theory (IRT). Each module is composed of an overview, case studies, exercises, Internet references, and suggested further readings. Also included are step-by-step examples that allow students to practice their skills in the area of applied psychological measurement. An extensive glossary of key terms is also provided for quick reference.

Key Features

- Concise overviews clarify major topics in classical and modern test theory

- Case studies depict typical dilemmas and difficulties faced when applying measurement theory

- Exercises include brief in-class assignments, take-home or lab tasks that require the use of statistical analysis software, and course-long test development projects

- Suggested readings and Internet references provide timely and relevant measurement-related information

Measurement Theory in Action is ideal as a supplemental text for any measurement course across the social sciences and especially in departments of psychology and education. Professional researchers and academics in need of a quick refresher on the application of measurement theory will also find this an invaluable reference.

 
Preface
 
List of Tables
 
List of Figures
 
List of Case Studies
 
List of Exercises
 
INTRODUCTION
 
Module 1 - Introduction and Overview
 
Module 2 - Statistics Review for Psychological Measurement
 
Module 3 - Psychological Scaling
 
Module 4 - Test Preparation and Specification
 
RELIABILITY, VALIDITY, AND TEST BIAS
 
Module 5 - Classical True Score Theory and Reliability
 
Module 6 - Content Validation
 
Module 7 - Criterion-Related Validation
 
Module 8 - Construct Validation
 
Module 9 - Validity Generalization and Meta-analysis
 
Module 10 - Test Bias and Unfairness
 
PRACTICAL ISSUES IN TEST CONSTRUCTION
 
Module 11 - Developing Tests of Maximal Performance
 
Module 12 - Classical Test Theory Item Analysis
 
Module 13 - Scoring Tests
 
Module 14 - Diversity Issues
 
Module 15 - Developing Measures of Typical Performance
 
Module 16 - Response Biases
 
ADVANCED TOPICS
 
Module 17 - Combining Predictors Using Multiple Regression
 
Module 18 - Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis
 
Module 19 - Item Response Theory (IRT)
 
Module 20 - Applications of IRT: Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) and Differential Item
 
Functioning (DIF)
 
References
 
Glossary of terms
 
Appendix A - Course long exercise on psychological scale development
 
Appendix B - Data descriptions for exercises

“This book provides all the information one would need to perform classical test theory analyses for reliability, item analysis, etc., and relieves professors of the need to come up with such information on their own. This allows them to concentrate on presenting the mathematical and statistical bases for the procedures that students will be using.”

Keith F. Widaman
University of California, Davis

“There is a real need for something like this, and the authors have done a good job covering the domain.”

Kevin Murphy
Pennsylvania State University

"This book provides a well-thought-out, applied introduction to the use of testing tools for assessment. As previously mentioned, even the most novice assessment students should be able to use this book to construct, and then test their own instruments. There is little doubt that when used appropriately, this collection of readings, and more important exercises, should make it easier for all students to expose themselves to the world of measurement theory with less fright and a little surer footing."

Adi Jaffe and David P. Redpath

This is a thorough and well presented text that would be essential reading for any middle to high level student of assessment. It is unfortunately at slightly too higher level for the majority of modules on our course, but I personally have found it invaluable and would recommend it to anyone completing a doctoral/masters level dissertation or journal articles focusing on assessment.

Dr Stephen Greenwood
Medical Education, Bristol University
February 14, 2013

Very practical book

Dr MARLON SUKAL
Psychology Dept, Chicago School of Psychology
May 10, 2011

Kenneth S. Shultz

Kenneth S. Shultz earned his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Industrial/Organizational psychology from Wayne State University.  He is a professor in the psychology department at California State University, San Bernardino and serves as director of their Master of Science Program in I/O Psychology.  Professor Shultz teaches undergraduate courses in statistics, tests and measurements, and industrial psychology and graduate courses in correlation and regression statistics, applied psychological measurement, and personnel selection and test validation.  Prior to his academic career, he worked for four years for the City of Los... More About Author

David J. Whitney

David J. Whitney earned his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Michigan State University.  He is an associate professor of psychology at California State University, Long Beach, where he is one of the core faculty members in the master's program in I/O Psychology.  Dr. Whitney serves on the Board of Directors of the Personnel Testing Council of Southern California.  He has also served as a program evaluator for a number of multi-year grants funded by the National Science Foundation.  He teaches undergraduate courses on I/O psychology and introductory statistics... More About Author

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