Practical Issues in Testing and Assessment

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The objectives of the symposium are to discuss practical issues surrounding testing and assessment particularly what to do when things do not go as planned:
a. Toward best practices in dealing with examinee misbehavior.
b. What can go wrong will go wrong; turning tragedies to triumph.
The symposium will begin with presentations related to student misbehavior, specifically cheating. Presentations on its prevalence and motivations will be followed by a proposal for reconceptualizing cheating as a validity threat. Next, two practicing psychometricians at agencies that test for licensure will provide examples of how things have gone wrong in standardized testing and practical advice on how they were handled. This will be followed by a wide-ranging moderated panel discussion by all presenters.

Sub Unit

• Division I - Education in the Professions

Chair

• John J. Norcini, Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research

Papers

• Prevalence of Cheating and Its Trajectory - Jasna Vuk, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

• How and Why Do Examinees Cheat, and Can We Remediate Them? - Trudie Elizabeth Roberts, University of Leeds

• Cheating on Tests: A Threat to Response Validity - Mark A. Albanese, National Conference of Bar Examiners; James A. Wollack, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• What Do You Do When the Unexpected Happens? Perspectives From the Licensing of Physicians - Carol A. Morrison, National Board of Medical Examiners

• What Do You Do When the Unexpected Happens? Perspectives From the Licensing of Lawyers - Douglas R. Ripkey, National Conference of Bar Examiners