Test Measurement and Evaluation

1. Test

Test is an instrument or activity used to accumulate data on a person’s ability to perform a specified task. In kinesiology the content of these tests are usually either cognitive, skill, or fitness. Test is also a method to determine a student's ability to complete certain tasks or demonstrate mastery of a skill or knowledge of content. Some types would be multiple choice tests, or a weekly spelling test.  While it is commonly used interchangeably with assessment, or even evaluation, it can be distinguished by the fact that a test is one form of an assessment.

          Data: The translation of behavior into a numerical or verbal descriptor which is then recorded in written form. Use of test 
        

Use of test

·         Motivation

·         Achievement

·         Improvement

·         Diagnosis

·         Prescription

·         Grading

·         Classification

·         Prediction

2.  Measurement

The process of obtaining a numerical description of the degree to which an individual possesses a particular characteristic. Measurement answers the question, “How much?”.

·         Test is used to gather information.

·         That information is presented in the form of measurement.

·         That measurement is then used to make evaluation.

A measurement takes place when a “test” is given and a “score” is obtained. If the test collects quantitative data, the score is a number. If the test collects qualitative data, the score may be a phrase or word such as “excellent.”

Types of Measurement

a.      Quantitative

·         time in one mile run

·         score on basketball spot shooting test

·         grade on weight training exam

b.      Qualitative

·         “excellent” ranking on throwing form

·         checklist on golf swing

·         score on gymnastics routine

Measurement Process Involves Four Steps, like :

1.      Define the characteristics that you want to measure.

2.      Select the appropriate test. This may also mean to select the appropriate testing instrument.

3.      Administer the test. If an instrument is involved in the testing, this also means to use the instrument correctly.

4.      Collect and record the measurement from the test.

2.      Evaluation

Definition 1     : The process of making judgments about the results of measurement in terms of the purpose of the measurement.

Definition 2     : The process of obtaining information (data) and using it to form judgments, which in turn are used in decision making.

Steps Involved in Making an Evaluation

1.      Define the objective or the purpose of the test.

2.      Measure the performance or administer the test.

3.      Find or develop a standard.

4.      Compare a person’s performance on the test to a standard.

5.      Make the evaluation then discuss and distribute the results in the most appropriate manner.

Formative & Summative Evaluation

Ø  Formative evaluation  : If the evaluation is at the beginning or during.

Ø  Summative evaluation : If the evaluation is at the end.

Concept of Evaluation

·         Science of providing information for decision making.

·         Includes measurement, assessment and testing

·         Information gathering

·         Information processing

·         Judgement forming

·         Decision making

Norms

Evaluations are often based on norms:

ü  Local norm: Norms based on a relatively small group of subjects. Ex: Pull-up norms for 7^th grade boys at one school.

ü  State norms: Norms that are representative of all similar subjects in the state. Ex: CAHPERD fitness norms for 7^th grade boys.

ü  National norms: Norms that are representative of all similar subjects in the United States. Ex: AAHPERD fitness norms for 7^th grade girls.

Reliability

v  Reliability defined as the consistency of an individual when repeatedly performing the same test.

v  Example: If a group of people take the same test on two different days, the scores obtained should be approximately the same.

v  A reliable test will yield data that are stable, repeatable, and precise. Reliability of a test refers to the dependability of test scores.

Validity

n  The American Psychological Association (APA) reported that validity is the most important characteristic to a test or measuring instrument.

n  The validity of each test can only be evaluated in terms of a particular purpose and for a particular group.

n  Example: A strength test that is valid for college-aged students is not necessarily valid for sedentary adults.