ANALYSIS OF ITEM RESPONSE PATTERNS. QUESTIONABLE TEST DATA AND DISSIMILAR CURRICULUM PRACTICES

Several investigations have suggested different indices to measure an individual's pattern of responses on an achievement test as unusual or consistent with the norm. Eight such indices are here described and compared. The relationships among these indices and their bearing on total test scores are investigated for a math and reading test given to approximately 2,100 fourth grade students from a random sample of 110 schools. School and regional differences on a single index are investigated. A discussion follows on the potential use of response pattern indices for identifying either students for whom the test is inappropriate or schools for which curricula do not match test contents.