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A Lower Bound to the Probability of Choosing the Optimal Passing Score for a Mastery Test when there is an External Criterion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2025

Rand R. Wilcox
Rand R. Wilcox*
Affiliation:
University of California at Los Angeles
*
Requests for reprints should be sent to Rand R. Wilcox, Center for the Study of Evaluation, UCLA Graduate School of Education, Los Angeles, CA 90024.
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Abstract

Recently there has been interest in the problem of determining an optimal passing score for a mastery test when the purpose of the test is to predict success or failure on an external criterion. For the case of constant losses for the two error types, a method of determining an optimal passing score is readily derived using standard techniques. The purpose of this note is to describe a lower bound to the probability of identifying an optimal passing score based on a random sample of N examinees.

Keywords

mastery testexternal criterionranking and selectionindifference zone
Type
Notes And Comments
Information
Psychometrika , Volume 44 , Issue 2 , June 1979 , pp. 245 - 249
Copyright
Copyright © 1979 The Psychometric Society

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Footnotes

The work upon which this publication is based was performed pursuant to a grant [contract] with the National Institute of Education, Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Points of view or opinions stated do not necessarily represent official NIE position or policy.

References

Reference Note

Novick, M. R. & Lewis, C. Prescribing test length for criterion-referenced measurement. In Harris, C. W., Alkin, M. C. & James Popham, W.(Eds.), Problems in criterion-referenced measurement, 1974, Los Angeles: Center for the Study of Evaluation, University of California.Google Scholar

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