Write a test critique paper on one of these (ACT, SAT, GRE, or Miller Analogy test)
Choose one of these tests:
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
- American College Test (ACT)
- Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test (GRE)
- Miller Analogies Test
- Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
- Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
Test Critique Format & Expectations
Once you've chosen the test you are going to critique, you are going to want to research everything you can about it. You will probably not be able to access the test itself, since most are highly restricted. You should not try to access restricted materials. However, there are very useful & important sources that are available for you to access information such as Mental Measurements Yearbook that give you all the information you need to critique the test. You may also want to seek out journal articles on PSYCINFO that may present information about the test (ie. the test's reliability/validity). The test critique paper does not require a set number of pages but should have the following headings and cover the following elements in a narrative format (not a list or bullet-points):
- The Name of the Test: Include also the date it was originally developed as well as the date of the current version. This should be done in a narrative form under the subheading.
- Purpose of the Test: What is this test typically used for? Who is this test designed for, what does it measure?
- The Manual: How comprehensive & useful is the manual? If you cannot find information about the manual, you should explain that after searching, the information was not available.
- The Development of the Test: What information do you have about the test's beginnings? What methods & procedures were used (ie. empirical criterion keying, factor analysis, etc.) to create the test? What type of subtests are included, if any or the different domains/areas are tested?
- Test Administration: How long does it take on average to administer the test & what level of training is required for the administrators?
- Norm Information: Describe the normative/standardization group. How was it selected? Was it stratified? Which population is this test appropriate for?
- Reliability Information: What reliability results have been reported for the test? Give specifics. How would you describe the overall reliability in your own words, based on what you know about whether a test is reliable or not? Be specific.
- Validity Information: What validity results have been reported for the test? Give specifics. How would you describe the overall validity in your own words based on what you know about whether a test is valid or not? Be specific.
- Critique: Based on your above review, what do you believe are the strengths & weaknesses of the test? Be specific & give you rationale.
- References: You must have at least 3 references (preferably more), including at least ONE from the Mental Measurements Yearbook (MMY). You will lose points in this area if you do not use a reference from the MMY. You cannot use the your notes or your text as a reference. You should also search Psyc INFO to obtain additional references and not rely solely on internet sources.
To access Mental Measurements Yearbook or Psyc INFO, go to the VC/UHV Library Research Tools and select "Psychology", then click "submit". Only the citations & references page must be done in APA style (6th Edition). See the APA Style Manual (6th Edition) or visit the Academic Center's APA Guidefor additional information on APA style, including style for on-line sources.
***YOU MUST PROPERLY CITE MATERIAL THROUGHOUT THE PAPER USING PROPER APA STYLE CITATIONS. IF YOU DO NOT CITE MATERIAL PROPERLY THROUGHOUT THE BODY OF THE PAPER, THE MATERIAL COULD BE CONSIDERED PLAGIARIZED WITHOUT GIVING PROPER CREDIT TO ITS SOURCE. ANY INSTANCES OF PLAGIARISM MAY RESULT IN A ZERO ON THE ASSIGNMENT. IF IN DOUBT, PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE ACADEMIC CENTER TO REVIEW YOUR PAPER PRIOR TO SUBMITTING THIS TEST CRITIQUE ASSIGNMENT.