Abstract
In the paper, two questions have been discussed /answered. The first question is what are the needed steps when we design a psychological test? What do you feel is the most important aspect of the design process? There are six steps in total to design a psychological test and the most important aspect is the clarity of thought while framing the question paper. The second question is what is “Standardization”? Why is it important to standardize tests?
Steps to design a psychological test
A psychological test is a field that is used to make a general opinion about a particular subject. A psychological test is primarily based on the study of the diverse behavioral samples of an individual. Through the means of psychometrics, individuals can come to know about a particular behavioral pattern even before it is actually allowed to execute in person. In order to design a test module, you simply need to choose approximately a hundred individuals who behave in accordance with your perception and another hundred who do not.
Step-1
You first need to figure out the real reason behind a test. For this, you may be required to check the samples on a random basis. This in turn would allow you to decide whether the object of your test is solid in base or a mere figment of your utopia (Ximenez, 2000)
Step-2
The next step is to decide on the questions. You need to make a list of important questions. It is important to note that you are ideally required to add three to four times the questions which come to your mind. Avoid the concept of face validity while framing your questions (Ximenez, 2000)
Step-3
The next step is to distribute the question paper to a diverse set of individuals. Thereafter, you need to compare the results by indulging in statistical analysis (Ximenez, 2000)
Step-4
While checking the answers, please keep in mind that only diverse answers need to be kept, while the remainder can be removed. Check to see whether the same group is answering those questions in a different manner or not (Ximenez, 2000)
Step-5
Make a final draft and distribute the questionnaire to a different set of people. In order to ascertain the trait, you need to look at the scores with utmost care. Try and create a score along with the subscore, as that would unveil the lesser-known results of your test (Ximenez, 2000)
Step-6
The last and undoubtedly the most difficult step is to get your test published (Ximenez, 2000).
The most important aspect:
- The most important aspect in the designing process is undoubtedly the clarity of thought while framing the question paper.
- What is “Standardization”? Why is it important to standardize tests?
- What is standardization?
Standardization is a procedure through which individuals agree upon a particular technical standard, after of course, having developed it with precise precision. It requires the inclusion of process, criteria, methods, and specifications to be able to decide on a particular standard. International Organization of Standardization has divided standards into two basic categories, which are voluntary and mandatory standards.
Why is it important to standardize tests?
According to Davenport Community Schools (2009), standardized tests are important for the overall development of a student. Through the means of these tests, you can compare the results of a student from one community with another. Through the means of the standardized tests, a student can directly identify his/her strengths and weaknesses, by analyzing his/her grades and percentage of marks.
Through the means of a scoring pattern, a standardized test can actually allow the end-user to understand whether he/she falls in a high, medium, or low-level bracket. Likewise, through the means of percentile rankings, a standardized test can allow an individual to fathom the position of an individual student, a class, a school, or a community. This rank is with regards to the total number of individuals who are taking the same test in a particular year. The results would allow the evaluator to decide whether a student, “exceeds expectations”, “meets expectations” or “needs improvement”
According to Davenport Community Schools (2009), with special regards to the new rules laid down by the Federal Law, which clearly states that no child should be left behind, the overall process of standardization often functions as a role model in developing the overall standards of all the participating students. Hence, it would not be incorrect to state that standardized tests are of vital importance for schools, districts, and diverse communities, and hence, they ought to be followed on a regular basis.