achievement test essay

15 Achievement Tests Examples

An achievement test refers to any procedure used to measure the accumulated knowledge or skills of a student in a specific area of study (Cizek, 2004). There are many different types of achievement tests.

Standardized achievement tests are the most commonly recognized achievement tests. They are designed to measure academic knowledge in major subject areas such as math, science, and history.  

Standardized tests are developed through a painstakingly complex process of administering pilot test items to different SES demographic samples. Test scores are used to make predictions about future academic performance. Examples include the ACT and the SAT .

Most states in the U. S. have developed their own standardized achievement tests to assess the effectiveness of K-12 public education.

Another type of achievement test is the one that a teacher administers to their students at the end of a chapter or academic term.

There are several other forms of achievement tests, including diagnostic tests, language proficiency tests, placement tests, norm-referenced, and criterion-referenced.

Achievement Tests Examples

• Diagnostic Tests: This may occur when a high school math teacher administers a comprehensive exam to his students at the beginning of the semester to determine if students are ready to take the next step (see also: formative assessment ).
• Placement Tests: For example, the Spanish Department assesses the language skills of every incoming student and then uses their scores to decide if they should take a beginner, intermediate, or advanced course.
• Language Proficiency Tests: This may occur when a U. S. university asks all foreign students to report their TOEFL scores to determine if their English language skills are sufficient.
• Norm-Referenced Tests: The Admissions Office of a graduate school may require all applicants to take and report their scores on the GRE (Graduate Record Exam).
• Criterion-Referenced Tests: Nursing school students must obtain a minimum score on the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses) in order to work as a nurse in the U. S. or Canada.
• Subject Achievement Tests: For example, at the end of every chapter in Mr. Jones’ history course, students must take a 100-item multiple choice exam that will be part of their final grade.
• Performance-Based Criterion-Referenced Test: Students in the trade school for motorcycle repair may have to be able to make 8 out of 10 repairs on an engine in less than 2 hours in order to receive their diploma.
• Spelling Achievement Tests: At the end of every week, students in classes at schools around the world have to take a spelling test on the words they learned that week.
• Summative Tests : At the end of every academic year, students in grades 4-12 in California must take the CAT (California Achievement Test).
• Admissions Tests: For example, an international school in Singapore might administer admissions tests they spent years developing in-house to all applicants to determine if they are prepared for the rigorous curriculum. 

Case Studies of Achievement Tests   

1. school readiness and later achievement.

When children leave kindergarten and enter the first grade, the transition can be overwhelming. Class sizes are larger, the pace of learning is much more demanding, and teachers may be less willing to indulge individual tantrums. However, determining exactly what attributes are needed to ensure a smooth transition has been debated for years.

On the one hand, some firmly believe that fundamental reading and math skills are the most important. While many teachers and researchers argue that social and emotional skills are key.

For instance, Shonkoff and Phillips (2000) point to a statement by the National Research Council and Institute on Medicine which maintains that:

“the elements of early intervention programs that enhance social and emotional development are just as important as the components that enhance linguistic and cognitive competence” (pp. 398-399).

Duncan et al. (2007) conducted an analysis of six longitudinal data sets to determine the link between characteristics of school readiness and later achievement in reading and math.

The results revealed that early math and reading skills were the best predictors of later academic performance. In contrast, socio-emotional behaviors and social skills provided near-zero predictive utility.

2. Attaining A Black Belt

Although the term “black belt” is most often associated with Karate, the term also applies to other martial arts such as Akido and Tae Kwon Do. It can take 3-5 years to reach black belt status, depending on the specific martial arts being practiced.

Another misconception about the black belt is that it is the highest degree of mastery . In fact, however, it usually only signifies that a student has demonstrated a certain level of proficiency in the fundamental skills.

The tests for attaining the different colored belts are skills-based. This means that the system of testing is criterion-referenced. At each level, the student must demonstrate a minimum degree of skill before advancing to the next level.

To gain a clearer understanding of the martial arts and belt system, read this archived article published by Black Belt Magazine .

3. Job Simulation And Nursing Competence

There are few jobs that are as pressure-packed as nursing. Poor skills or errors in judgment can literally have life-and-death consequences. Therefore, developing a test that measures nursing competence is of vital importance.

Paper-and-pencil achievement tests used to evaluate the knowledge and skills of existing nurses fail to replicate the highly stressful nature of the job.

“Evaluation of clinical performance in authentic settings is possible using realistic simulations that do not place patients at risk” (Hinton, et al., 2017, p. 432).

Hinton et al. (2017) created the Nursing Performance Profile (NPP) that consists of numerous medical-surgical scenarios in a high-fidelity laboratory. Experienced professionals then observed the performance of existing nurses.

  “Items frequently failed during NPP simulation tests are consistent with nursing practice difficulties identified in the literature related to medication errors, infection control, documentation, and telephone orders” (p. 454).

Those are the types of common errors that put patients at risk. The fact that the NPP was particularly sensitive to those types of errors should make it of substantial value to employers and industry regulators.

4. Computer-Adaptive Tests (CAT)

Testing via computers has been becoming increasingly popular for several reasons. These include the convenience of administration, the standardization of testing procedures, and the precision and ease of scoring. This method is referred to as adaptive computer testing (CAT). 

One key feature of this form of testing is that the CAT adjusts the difficulty level of each question based on the test taker’s ongoing performance.

Each answer provided by the test-taker determines the level of difficulty of the subsequent item. If answered correctly, the next item will be more difficult. If answered incorrectly, the computer will select an item that is either equally difficult or slightly less so.

These adjustments are made in real-time and result in a more precise estimate of the test taker’s knowledge.

“Over the course of several decades, research has repeatedly demonstrated that CAT is more efficient than paper-and-pencil tests, with equal or better measurement precision ” (Seo, 2017, p. 8).

5. Multi-Method Assessment

Traditional achievement tests in the classroom primarily consist of multiple-choice and short essay questions. These item formats are highly verbal-skills-centric, which puts many students at a distinct disadvantage. While some students possess the verbal skills to write a good essay, other students have strengths in other domains of expression.

Therefore, to be fair, testing should allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in ways that match their unique profiles.

This simply means that teachers should administer diverse assessment procedures so that a student’s final score in a course will reflect their true level of academic progress.

These diverse methods could include a performance-based assessment, such as an oral presentation or designing an infographic.

It could also entail a project-based assessment whereby the student demonstrates their level of knowledge and skills by constructing a 3D object or producing a poster presentation.

Multiple assessment methods of academic achievement give each student a fair opportunity to demonstrate their gains in a manner that matches their unique characteristics.

Achievement testing is a vital component of the education system. Students’ knowledge and skills must be ascertained in order for teachers and parents to know if their students/children are making progress.

There are many types of achievement tests used in a wide range of capacities.

Diagnostic tests are applied to determine if incoming students are ready to meet the challenges of a more advanced academic level. This is true not only of incoming university freshmen but also of incoming first-graders.

Other types of achievement tests are used to assess language skills or the competence of those wishing to enter a specific profession such as nursing, electrical engineering, or engine repair.

Although computer-assisted testing (CAT) is gaining popularity, it is also important that teachers understand the importance of giving students an opportunity to demonstrate their progress in ways that are suited to their learning styles.

Cizek, G. J. (2004). Achievement tests. In Charles D. Spielberger, (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Applied Psychology , 41-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/B0-12-657410-3/00226-9

Duncan, G. J., Dowsett, C. J., Claessens, A., Magnuson, K., Huston, A. C., Klebanov, P., … & Japel, C. (2007). School readiness and later achievement. Developmental Psychology , 43 (6), 1428.

Hinton, J., Mays, M., Hagler, D., Randolph, P., Brooks, R., DeFalco, N., Kastenbaum, B., & Miller, K. (2017). Testing nursing competence: Validity and reliability of the nursing performance profile. Journal of Nursing Measurement, 25 (3), 431. https://doi.org/10.1891/1061-3749.25.3.431

Naglieri, J., & Goldstein, S. (2009). Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of intelligence and achievement tests. In J. A. Naglieri & S. Goldstein, Practitioner’s guide to assessing intelligence and achievement (pp. 3–10). John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Phillips, D. A., & Shonkoff, J. P. (Eds.). (2000). From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development . National Academies Press.

Seo, D. G. (2017). Overview and current management of computerized adaptive testing in licensing/certification examinations. Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions, 14 . https://doi.org/10.3352/jeehp.2017.14.17

Dave Cornell (PhD)

Dr. Cornell has worked in education for more than 20 years. His work has involved designing teacher certification for Trinity College in London and in-service training for state governments in the United States. He has trained kindergarten teachers in 8 countries and helped businessmen and women open baby centers and kindergartens in 3 countries.

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Chris Drew (PhD)

This article was peer-reviewed and edited by Chris Drew (PhD). The review process on Helpful Professor involves having a PhD level expert fact check, edit, and contribute to articles. Reviewers ensure all content reflects expert academic consensus and is backed up with reference to academic studies. Dr. Drew has published over 20 academic articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education and holds a PhD in Education from ACU.

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Achievement 8 - Armstrong

How to become eligible for promotion.

1.   General Advancement Pre-Requisites  (Ref: CAPR 60-1, 5.2.3) Be a current CAP cadet, as shown in eServices . Possess a CAP uniform and wear it properly. Be able to recite the Cadet Oath from memory. Participate actively in unit meetings. Have spent a minimum of 8 weeks (56 days) in Achievement 7, unless eligible for a JROTC accelerated promotion (see CAPR 60-1, 5.6.2.3).

2.   Leadership :   Take Cadet Interactive Learn to Lead chapter 8 module OR pass an online test on  Learn To Lead chapter 8 , with a grade of 80% or higher, open-book. 

To find the test and Cadet Interactive module go to eServices>  Learning Management System  > Go to AXIS > Cadet Achievement tab

Drill and Ceremonies  performance test

3.   Aerospace:    Take an  Aerospace Dimensions  Cadet Interactive module OR pass an online test with a grade of 80% or higher, open-book. You may take the  Aerospace Dimensions  modules in any order.

4.   Fitness:   Have attained the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) in the Cadet Physical Fitness Test (CPFT), within the previous 180 days, under the "run plus 2 out of 3" rule. 

5.   Character:     Participate in at least 1 character activity in the squadron.    

6.   Special Requirement: You must write a 300-500 word essay and present a 5 to 7 minute speech to the unit on one of the topics below. A senior member will evaluate the essay and speech using these  critique forms .

Explain why America’s aerospace power is vital to commerce, science or national security.

Describe leadership mistakes you have made and explain what you learned from them.

Explain the difference between followership and leadership.

7.   Honor Credit:   Available.  Complete Learn to Lead Chapter 8 test, Learn to Lead Chapter 8 Interactive module, Aerospace Dimensions module test, AND Aerospace Dimensions Interactive module.

Leadership Expectations

Fulfilling the promotion eligibility requirements above is only half the battle. You also need to show that you have some leadership skills. Look at the goals below and once in a while ask yourself how well you're doing in those areas. Attitude Maintains a positive attitude and encourages good attitudes in others; does not flaunt rank or authority

Core Values Displays commitment to Core Values; promotes team spirit, professionalism, and good sportsmanship as a team leader

Communication Skills Proficient in informal public speaking (i.e., in giving directions to and training junior cadets)

Sense of Responsibility Enforces standards; trustworthy in supervising a small team and leading them in fulfillment in a series of simple tasks; given a plan, is able to carry it out

Interpersonal Skills Guides and coaches junior cadets; recognizes when junior cadets need help; leads by example; is not a "boss"

Critical Thinking Not applicable

Delegation Skills Not applicable  

Typical Duties Upon Promotion

Support staff NCO, flight sergeant, first sergeant, or flight commander  

About Neil Armstrong

Cadet heritage document.

Heraldry of the Armstrong Achievement Ribbon

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• Achievement Testing in Education: Meaning & Examples

When you want to appraise a person or a student, you’re going to need a tool that measures the individual’s mastery of a subject. Achievement testing can help gauge a person’s understanding within a domain of knowledge. It also provides guidance and benefits the individual because the scores reveal knowledge gaps

. In this article, we will discuss in detail what an achievement test is, its types, uses, and how you can create yours with Formplus. Let’s dive in!

For you: Free Scholarship Application Form Template

What is an Achievement Test?

An achievement test measures how an individual has learned over time and what the individual has learned by analyzing his present performance. It also measures how a person understands and masters a particular knowledge area at the present time. With this test, you can analyze just how quick and precise an individual is in performing the tasks that they consider an accomplishment.

An achievement test is an excellent choice to analyze and evaluate the academic performance of an individual. 

For instance, every school requires its students to show their proficiency in a variety of subjects.

In most cases, the students are expected to pass to some degree to move to the next class. An achievement test will record and evaluate the performance of these students to determine how well they are performing against the standard.

Use this: Free Student Performance Report Form Template

Purpose of Achievement Testing 

The primary aim of an achievement test is to evaluate an individual. An achievement test however can start an action plan. 

An individual may get a higher achievement score that shows that the person has shown a high level of mastery and is ready for an advanced level of instruction. On the other hand, a low achievement score might indicate that there are concerned areas that an individual should improve on, or that a particular subject should be repeated.

For example, a student can decide to start a study plan because of the result of an achievement test. So it can serve as a motivation to improve or an indicator to proceed to a higher level. An achievement test is used in both the educational sector and in the professional sector.

Explore this Free Course Evaluation Form Template

Categories of Achievement Tests

Achievement tests are categorized into two major groups based on participation.

• Individual test

An individual test is a one-on-one, in-depth test. It entails the participant seeing an examiner on a one-on-one basis (This mostly takes three hours) after which the participant is presented with the interpreted result of the test, and also recommendations. The participant also gets 30 minutes with the examiner. The examiner will give feedback, explain the result, and also provide answers to all other questions.

A group test is when participants or students take part in an achievement test together. Maybe in a hall or in a classroom. It is more affordable and timesaving compared to individual tests. When the test is completed, the participants each receive a printed sheet detailing their results.

Types of Achievement Tests

There are five types of achievement tests: diagnostic tests, prognostic tests, accuracy tests, power tests, and speed tests.

1. Diagnostic test

A diagnostic test is an assessment test designed to serve as a pre-test. It is administered at the start of a topic. Also used to garner data to determine the students’ or participants’ level of knowledge of a subject, it is usually a written assessment in the form of multiple-choice or short-answer tests.

The aim is to find out what the student or participant knows at the moment. A diagnostic achievement test allows the examiner and the participant to monitor their teaching approach and learning progress.

2. Prognostic test

The prognostic test is a means to predict the future. This test combines the knowledge obtained from the test performed on the learning process and other tests performed on learning achievements before trying to diagnose the future of a participant or student.

3. Accuracy test

An accuracy test measures the degree of closeness between the result that was gotten from a text when it is compared to the standard. It refers to the quality of the results even when the test is repeated. A test can be accurate if, in reproducibility, the results are close to the standard.

4. Power test

A power test is a testing tool comprising many items that when applied, has no time limit. This means that in an achievement test, a participant or student has unlimited time to respond to the questions. So this will allow them attempt all the questions in the test. 

The final score of the student or participant is analyzed and interpreted to mean the number of questions that the students answered correctly.

The difference in the results obtained from the student is interpreted as each students’ ability to respond to the test and not to the time it took a student to understand the question or answer it.

The student’s level of knowledge about a subject is measured under little to zero pressure. This is because they are given ample time to answer the test.

5. Speed test

Unlike the power test, a speed test is created for the student to respond to, in a limited time. In this test, however, the questions are simple and they are intended to be answered in sequence. For example from the first question to the last one because of the limited time allocated to this test. 

If the difficulty level of the test keeps increasing, then none of the students might be able to complete the questions, unlike the power test where students are given enough time.

The aim of the speed test is to measure how quickly a student can complete a question within a limited time. It measures a student’s ability to quickly process information and give an accurate response.

Research with this free Student Perception Survey Template

Characteristics of a Good Achievement Test

Now, what makes a good achievement test? To shed light on the characteristics of a good achievement test we are going to consider four qualities that make an excellent test.

1. Reliability

In an achievement test reliability refers to how consistently the test produces the same results when it is measured or evaluated.

For a test to be reliable it means that the outcome of the test is trustworthy. 

So for an achievement test to be considered accurate and valid, it must be consistent. It must measure what is intended to measure in its true value.

We can say that the degree to which the test is free from error is one characteristic of an achievement test. When a test is repeated, if the value is close to what was initially obtained, then it is said to be reliable.

Note that different types of reliability are evaluated using different methods.

• The first on the list is how consistent the results of the measurements are over a certain amount of time.
• The second one is how consistent is the result of the measurement when it has been evaluated using different methods and instruments.
• The last way to determine how consistent an achievement test is how consistent it has been with just one instrument or method of testing.

Appraise with this free Teacher Evaluation Survey Template

2. Validity

One important thing to consider when conducting an evaluation assessment is how much the results of the test will serve the purpose for which it was intended. Finding an answer to this question is the basis of validity in a test. The primary function of any test is validity because a text has no value if it is not valid hence it won’t prove useful.

The validity of a test involves what it is intended to measure and how consistent it measures it.

For instance, an educator might not determine how conversant a student is in a particular knowledge area without conducting an evaluation test.

If the test was conducted and the results did not measure what it was intended to measure, the educator might not accurately determine what the strengths of the students are. Also, the educator might struggle to know whether the student is ready for a higher level of instruction. We can infer that validity is how appropriate the interpretation made from the result of a test is, regarding a specific topic.

3. Objectivity

Objectivity can affect both the reliability and validity of test results. The objectivity of a test refers to the percentage at which different people scoring a test can arrive at the same score. A good test must be free from personal errors and bias.

Achievement tests must have objectivity in the scoring and in interpreting the results. No personal factor should affect the scoring of the test. Also, the interpretation of the test results should be plainly worded and easy to understand.

Finally, the results of the test should mean the same to all the students that took part in the test. So, there should be no partial confusion and no ambiguity.

4. Usability

You cannot neglect the practical value of a test. When deciding on a test, consider the ease of administration, the time required to administer the test, and how easy it is to interpret the result of the test and apply it.

It must also be easy to use by all classroom teachers, so explicit instructions should be given.

The test should have a specified time allocated to complete it and scores of the test should be easy to interpret. 

Uses of Achievement testing

The teacher-made test is designed to examine the local curriculum and measure its effectiveness to the students’ performance.

The flexibility of the teacher-made test makes it appropriate to adapt to any procedure. Also, it is easy to construct as it doesn’t need any special requirements for its preparation.

Teacher-made tests are developed to meet the locals’ objectives the same way as the standard or administrator test is developed to generally measure learning objectives.

It is worthy to note that teacher-made tests can be written or oral and procedures for storing them vary depending on the test. Also, both objective and essay types of tests can be included in a teacher-made test.

• Administrators

An administrative test is developed by specialists. It has uniformity in scoring, application, and interpretation of the test results. What an administrator test or standardized test does is that it compares the performance of some students with a general group standard.

An administrator test gives clear instructions about how the test should be administered and interpreted so that there will be uniformity.

The test is highly reliable and there’s a provision for how to uniformly score the test in the test manual.

How to Construct Achievement Tests with Formplus

Formplus allows you to collect data by creating different types of forms and surveys. It has over 1,000 templates you can choose from to create your form from scratch. 

To create an achievement test, here is a step-by-step guide on how to go about it. 

1. To start with, visit formpl.us . If you do not have an account, then click the sign-up button to get started.

Don’t worry, it’s super easy. If you already opened an account with Formplus, sign in to your account.

2. Click on the “create new form” to access the form builder feature, from there click on the form builder and make use of the options on the left and start creating your test. 

3. Use the drag-and-drop option to include all the field sections. Use the edit icon to change the fields you added.

4. Once you’re done with the modification, at the right side corner of the builder, click the save button.

5. Now here is the fun part, Formplus allows you to customize your forms. Beautify your achievement form by clicking the “customization” option.

This feature allows you to add your logo, change the font of the text, and even change the layout of the form.

6. When you’re done creating your achievement test, copy your form link and share it with your participants.

You can embed the link and share it through email. You can also print out your form and apply it traditionally.

Examples of Achievement Tests

For the purpose of this article and to further understand the concept of achievement tests we are going to look at some examples. 

The students of a school have completed their coursebook from units 1 to 6. To evaluate their mastery of the coursebook the teacher gives them an achievement test. The achievement test given by the teacher is based on what has been learned in the coursebook.

Let us assume that you have been practicing martial arts so that you could get the black belt in your last week of training. You are required to show your skills in class for your Master to judge.

This is an achievement test. It is designed to evaluate what you have learned and the skills you have acquired over time. An achievement test is not designed to evaluate what you can achieve, it is focused on what you have gained in knowledge, and the skills that you have gained over time.

An achievement test was administered on a group, let’s call them Group D. When the results of their test were analyzed their mean score was 65. After 4 days the same test was administered on Group D, and again their mean score is 65.

This implies that the achievement test is providing reliable results.

The good thing about the achievement test is that it gives the educator and the parents the opportunity to assess how well their word is doing in a field or at school. You should also note that the achievement test is not only for the students, the academic domain achievement test is used to assess both the student, the teacher, and the school.

Achievement tests are very vital in evaluating set goals and accomplishments. Get started by creating simple achievement tests with Formplus for free. 

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Achievement Tests

How Achievement Tests Measure What People Have Learned

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Cara Lustik is a fact-checker and copywriter.

BFG Images / Getty Images

How do we determine what a person knows about a certain subject? Or how do we determine an individual's level of skill in a certain area? One of the most common ways to do this is to use an achievement test. An achievement test is designed to measure a person's level of skill, accomplishment, or knowledge in a specific area.

Closer Look at Achievement Tests

The achievement tests that most people are familiar with are the standard exams taken by every student in school. Students are regularly expected to demonstrate their learning and proficiency in a variety of subjects. In most cases, certain scores on these achievement tests are needed in order to pass a class or continue on to the next grade level.

The role of achievement tests in education has become much more pronounced since the passage of the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act. This legislation focused on standard-based education which was used to measure educational goals and outcomes. While this law was later replaced by the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act, achievement testing remains a key element in measuring educational success and plays a role in determining school funding.

But achievement tests are not just important during the years of K-12 education and college. They can be used to assess skills when people are trying to learn a new sport. If you were learning dance , martial arts, or some other specialized athletic skill, an achievement test can be important for determining your current level of ability and possible need for further training. 

Examples of Achievement Tests

Some more examples of achievement tests include:

• A math exam covering the latest chapter in your book
• A test in your social psychology class
• A comprehensive final in your Spanish class
• The ACT and SAT exams
• A skills demonstration in your martial arts class

Each of these tests is designed to assess how much you know at a specific point in time about a certain topic. Achievement tests are not used to determine what you are capable of; they are designed to evaluate what you know and your level of skill at the given moment.

As you can see, achievement tests are widely used in a number of domains, both academic- and career-related. Students face an array of achievement tests almost every day as they complete their studies at all grade levels, from pre-K through college. Such tests allow educators and parents to assess how their kids are doing in school, but also provide feedback to students on their own performance.

When Are Achievement Tests Used?

Achievement tests are often used in educational and training settings. In schools, for example, achievements tests are frequently used to determine the level of education for which students might be prepared. Students might take such a test to determine if they are ready to enter into a particular grade level or if they are ready to pass of a particular subject or grade level and move on to the next.

Standardized achievement tests are also used extensively in educational settings to determine if students have met specific learning goals . Each grade level has certain educational expectations, and testing is used to determine if schools, teachers, and students are meeting those standards.

So how exactly are achievement tests created? In many instances, subject matter experts help determine what content standards should exist for a certain subject. These standard represent the things that an individual at a certain skill or grade level should know about a particular subject. Test designers can then use this information to develop exams that accurately reflect the most important things that a person should know about that topic.

Achievement Tests vs Aptitude Tests

Achievement tests differ in important ways from aptitude tests . An aptitude test is designed to determine your potential for success in a certain area. For example, a student might take an aptitude test to help determine which types of career they might be best suited for. An achievement test, on the other hand, would be designed to determine what a student already knows about a specific subject.

A Word From Verywell

Achievement tests play an important role in education, but they have also been the subject of criticism at times. Some feel that excessive testing interferes with the educational process and places too much emphasis on passing a test while ignoring more important abilities such as critical and creative thinking. However, such tests do provide a fairly efficient way to get an idea of how well students are performing.

H.R.1 - 107th Congress (2001-2002): No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 .

U.S. Department of Education. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) .

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By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Psychology Achievement Test Essay

Psychology achievement test PAT is mainly used in institutions to determine students’ knowledge in psychology. It is specifically the systematic analysis of an individual’s intelligence, character, knowledge and behavior. This paper will therefore show an example of a PAT, correct response in regard to the study of psychology and a specific systematic evaluation of a useful psychology achievement test. It will finalize by showing the reliability of this test in regard to psychology.

To ensure a psychological achievement test is a good intelligence test, the examinees are put through a series of standardized assessments. These assessments are administered to individual candidates for maximum evaluation of everyone of the whole lot. This examination should also be done with a decision of a certain percentage. This percentage must be achieved to show a student is qualified. Instructions are also exposed to individuals and later questions are asked to ascertain what has been learned by the person. Behavioral samples should be used for the assessing of psychological knowledge. This knowledge is like the emotional functioning and the cognitive of each individual. Finally restrictions must also be put in place involving matters of ethics. This is for protection and secrecy of the tests as required by the psychology licensing board (Gorin & Embretson 400).

To ensure the response is correct in regard to the study of psychology, the responses should be compiled into tables that allows for evaluation of mental functions and behavior.

Collage freshmen should also be subjected to a systematic process to evaluate the usefulness of a psychological test. This test should be put in a form that addresses major issues. These issues range from intelligence, mannerism, brain functioning, personality and direct observation. In intelligence information must be presented showing personal and medical history. Tasks provided should range from general knowledge question answering, completion of puzzles and making of designs.

Attitude test is used in assessment of individuals’ feelings about, people events and objects. These scales are mainly used to determine preferences for individuals through specific items. This can be done using Likert scale (Gorin & Embretson 406).

Personality tests which comprise of objective and projective measures are also administered. These tests are either restricted to response format such as true or false or ones that allow freer type of response.

Direct observation encompasses the observation of individuals as they complete activities. This helps understanding of the interaction of individuals with other people.

This paper therefore shows that the psychology achievement test is a reliable test that is needed in the enrollment of psychology students. This is so as it helps in the examination of the mastery of individuals in odder to let them advance or retain them.

Works Cited

Gorin, Joanna and Embretson, Susan. “Item Difficulty Modelling of paragraph comprehension Items.” Applied Psychological Measuring , 30.5 (2006): 394-411. Print.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Bibliography

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