Modern Psychometrics

Completely revised and updated to reflect recent research and controversy, this new edition ofModern Psychometricsprovides a readable introduction to the history, rationale and debates surrounding psychometric testing. The first part deals with theoretical and more general issues in psychometrics and acknowledges that if psychometrics is to fulfill its function of fair assessment and selection it must take a stand on issues of racism and injustice. The second part, newly expanded to aid students, is a practical step-by-step guide on how to construct a psychometric questionnaire. This progresses through all the stages of test construction from definition of original purpose to eventual validation. Item response theory, criterion reference testing, profiling and minimum competency testing are included, as are knowledge-based tests of ability, aptitude, achievement and person-based tests of personality, clinical symptoms, mood and attitude.

John Rust is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Goldsmiths College, University of London.