Face validity

Cross Sources:  Validity Definition:  The extent to which an instrument superficially appears, to an examinee, to measure the construct being investigated Reference:  Crocker, L.M., & Algina, J. (1986).

Fairness (in testing)

Cross Sources:  Self-adaptive, Differential item functioning Definition:  This concept encompasses all testing design and practice, and points toward the necessity of ensuring that measures and consequences from measures are equitable across all subgroups of examinees. Reference:  Camilli, G., & Shepard, L.A. (1994).

False-negative

Cross Sources:  False-positive Definition:  When assessment results inaccurately indicate a person, program, or organization should not be placed into a category Reference:

False-positive

Cross Sources:  False-negative Definition:  When assessment results inaccurately indicate a person, program, or organization should be placed into a category Reference:

Feedback

Cross Sources:   Definition:  Information that provides the performer with direct, sable insights into current performance, based on tangible differences between current performance and hoped-for performance. Reference:  Wiggins, G.P. (1993).

Flexible Cognition

Cross Sources:  Higher Order Thinking and Cognitive Development Definition:  A learning framework that encourages higher-order mental skills; the ability to spontaneously restructure one’s knowledge, in many ways, by adapting to the demands of radically changing situations Reference:  Schell, J.W. (1993).

Focus group

Cross Sources:   Definition:  Is a carefully planned discussion to obtain perceptions on a defined area of interest in a permissive, nonthreatening environment It is conducted with approximately 7 to 10 people by a skilled interviewer. Reference:  Krueger, R.A. (1994).

Forced choice

Cross Sources:  Instrument design Definition:  In test construction, forced choice or multiple-choice items require an examinee to choose an answer from a small set of response options. Reference:  Bennett, R.E., & Ward, W.C. (1993).

Formative evaluation

Cross Sources:  Summative evaluation Definition:  An assessment which is used for improvement (individual or program level) rather than for making final decisions or for accountability Reference:  Worthen, B.R., Sanders, J.R., & Fitzpatrick, J.L. (1997).

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For any comments regarding new terms or suggested definitions for this Dictionary, please write to :   assessment@jmu.edu. Thank you.