Random sample

Cross Sources:  Sample Definition:  A sample drawn from the population such that every member of the population has an equal opportunity to be included in the sample Reference:  Bordens, K.S., & Abbott, B.B. (1997).

Random variable

Cross Sources:  Variable Definition:  A quantity that takes any of a set of values with specified probabilities Reference:

Range

Cross Sources:  Variance Definition:  The range is the distance between the highest and lowest score. Numerically, the range equals the highest score minus the lowest score. Reference:  The Internet Glossary of Statistical Terms, (2003).

Rater

Cross Sources:  Performance, Performance assessment, Constructed response, Checklist, Rating scale, Scoring rubric Definition:  A person who evaluates or judges student performance on an assessment against specific criteria. Reference:

Rating scale

Cross Sources:  Performance assessment, Semantic differential Definition:  A series of items or statements that describe an aspect of a skill or a personal trait Reference:  Erwin, T.D. (1991).

Raw score

Cross Sources:  True score Definition:  The measure prior to scaling Reference:

Reading skills

Cross Sources:  Communication skills Definition:  Reading involves locating, understanding, and interpreting written information in documents such as manuals, graphs, and schedules. Reference:  Ruben, B. D., & Stewart, L. P. (1998).

Reasoning

Cross Sources:  Critical thinking Definition:  The process by which one is motivated to and looks for evidence to support and refute a statement or proposition. Reference:  Kelley, D. (1988).

Reflective practice

Cross Sources:  Self-assessment Definition:  Reflective practice is a mode that integrates or links thought and action with reflection. It involves thinking about and critically analyzing one's actions with the goal of improving one's professional practice. Engaging in reflective practice requires individuals to assume the perspective of an external observer in order to identify the assumptions and feelings underlying their practice and then to speculate about how these assumptions and feelings affect practice Reference:  Kottkamp, R. B. (1990); Osterman, K.F. (1990).

Regression (linear)

Cross Sources:  Regression (non-linear) Definition:  A linear equation for forecasting criterion scores from scores on one or more predictor variables, a procedure often used in selection programs or actuarial prediction and diagnosis Reference:  Aiken, L. (1994).

Regression (non-linear)

Cross Sources:  Regression (linear) Definition:  A non-linear equation for forecasting criterion scores from scores on one or more predictor variables, a procedure often used in selection programs or actuarial prediction and diagnosis Reference:

Relative decision

Cross Sources:  Absolute decision Definition:  Decisions based on the use of the standing of individuals relative to one another Reference:  Shavelson, R. J., & Webb, N.M. (1991).

Reliability

Cross Sources:  Validity, Internal consistency Definition:  Refers to the consistency, precision, and dependability of measurements. Reference:  Erwin, T.D. (1991).

Reliability coefficient

Cross Sources:  Reliability Definition:  A numerical index, between 0.00 and 1.00, of the reliability of an assessment instrument. Reference:  Aiken, L. (1994).

Religious

Cross Sources:  Tolerance Definition:  Encompasses any beliefs in an ultimate reality or deity. Self-description of own religious beliefs while also tolerating the beliefs of others. Reference:

Repeated measures

Cross Sources:  Longitudinal, Time series analysis Definition:  A single sample of individuals is tested more than once on the dependent (outcome) variable. The same subjects are used for every treatment. Reference:  Gravetter, F. J., & Wallnau, L.B. (1992).

Research

Cross Sources:  Study Definition:  The principle method for acquiring knowledge and uncovering the causes for behavior Reference:  Bordens, K.S., & Abbott, B.B. (1997).

Resources

Cross Sources:  Institutional performance Definition:  In the most general sense, a resource is a source of supply or support. In a university setting, resources include personnel, raw materials and supplies, and the services of capital goods. Reference:  Balderston, F.E. (1995); Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, (1993).

Response bias

Cross Sources:  Selection bias Definition:  The tendency subjects have to produce experimental responses, which are socially desirable, or that they think the experimenter expects. Reference:  Stratton, P., & Hayes, N. (1993).

Result

Cross Sources:  Outcome, Effect, Data Definition:  Outcomes or assessment data obtained about student learning or development; frequencies obtained from performance indicators Reference:

Results or findings

Cross Sources:  Accountability, Research Definition:  The outcome of the assessment study or the experiment. Reference:  Ray, W. J. (1992)

Retention

Cross Sources:  Stop out, Attrition Definition:  The continuation of a student's involvement in an academic endeavor until graduation. Reference:  Thompson, A. (2001) Tinto, V. (1993); Bean, J.P. (1986).

Retention rate

Cross Sources:  Stop out Definition:  Percent of students remaining within an institution once matriculating at that institution Reference:

Rubric

Cross Sources:  Performance, Performance assessment, Constructed response, Checklist, Rating scales, Scoring rubric Definition:  A scoring tool that lists the criteria for a piece of work, or "what counts" (for example, purpose, organization, and mechanics are often what count in a piece of writing); it also articulates gradations of quality for each criterion, from excellent to poor. Reference:  Andrade, H.A. (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.