Exhibition on Testing and Measurement
A Response
Naomi Gafni
National Institute for Testing and Evaluation
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Exhibition on Testing and Measurement
Why is there a need for such an exhibition?
• Public outreach (Wikipedia) – aimed at promoting public
awareness (and understanding) of testing and making
contributions to science education.
• science outreach has become more organized over the
past years and museums are an essential part of this
organization.
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Exhibition on Testing and Measurement
The Exhibition Goals (short version)
To acquaint the public with the scientific field of testing and
measurement
To create dialogue between the public and measurement
experts
To educate clients
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Exhibition on Testing and Measurement
What are the three main messages it conveys?
• Tests facilitate fairness, rational decision making, learning,
safety of society and social mobility
• Test development is a scientific profession – based on
theories, systematic research, validation, multi-reviewers
• No test is perfect. The goal of professional test developers
is to estimate and minimize measurement error. Tests
must meet standards.
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Exhibition on Testing and Measurement
Tests must meet standards – Standards for Educational and
Psychological Testing
• The Standards for educational and psychological testing place
standards about validity and reliability, along with errors of
measurement and related considerations under the general topic of
test construction, evaluation and documentation.
• The second major topic covers standards related to fairness in
testing, the rights and responsibilities of test takers, testing individuals
of diverse linguistic backgrounds, and testing individuals with
disabilities.
• The third and final major topic covers standards related to testing
applications, including the responsibilities of test users, psychological
testing and assessment, educational testing and assessment, testing
in employment and credentialing, plus testing in program evaluation
and public policy.
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Exhibition on Testing and Measurement
In your experience, which measurement topic is
most difficult to explain to the public?
• Given a quota, using test scores for admissions decision
making, does not affect the number of admitted applicants
• It is impossible to develop a high quality test overnight
• Equating: If the score has a norm reference meaning, how
come my score is not relative to the specific group I was
examined with?
• Interviews and recommendations are not reliable
• Avi: Why does it take so long to develop an exhibition
on testing and measurement
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Exhibition on Testing and Measurement
How can we attract the public to the exhibition?
• Interactive activities
• Group activities
• Public talks/lectures/discussions
• Workshops/schools for teachers and/or students
• Online outreach
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