Contemporary Views on Criterion-Referenced Testing

This review of the technical and theoretical literature in the area of criterion-referenced testing CRT considers a number of areas in CRT development and application. Discussed, in turn, are questions of CRT reliability and validity in both practical and theoretical areas. Different methods of CRT construction are reviewed, as is the question of simulation fidelity e.g., the estimate to which CRTs can and should mirror real-world performance conditions. Discussion is directed to the use of CRTs in mastery learning contexts and to test materials development and item sampling. Diagnostic uses of CRTs and the establishment of cut-off scores are considered. Uses of CRTs in public education and military context are reviewed. Finally a position is set forth on general and theoretical aspects of CRT construction and use. Author