Page 129 - Making Instruction Work

chap 11 3/11/97 4:59 PM Page 115

criterion tests 115

Characteristics of Criterion Test Items

Test items that tell you whether an objective has been mas-
tered have these two main characteristics: The test items
match the objectives in both performance and conditions.
1. Each item matches the objective in performance. That is,
the performance called for in the test item is the same as
that called for by the objective; i.e., the item asks stu-
dents to do what the objective says they should be able to
do.

2. Each test item matches the objective in conditions. That
is, it asks the student to perform under the same condi-
tions spelled out in the objective.

The results of the test are evaluated by comparing the actu-
al performance of the student with the criteria stated in the
objective. This means that the student performance must
achieve the same criteria as stated in the objective for that per-
formance to be considered acceptable.
Why insist that a test item match the objective in perfor-
mance? Let me answer that with another question. Why test at
all? Your answer should be that you want to predict whether
students will be able to do what you have taught them when
they leave you. The best way to do that is to observe a sample
of the actual performance you are trying to develop. Anything
less than that won’t tell you what you want to know. Think
about it this way: Suppose your surgeon were hovering over
you with gloved hands and the following conversation took
place.
Surg: Just relax. I’ll have that appendix out in no
time.

You: Have you done this operation before?

Surg: No, but I passed all the tests.