Effects of self-study for coachable test item types

Conducted a study to provide further information on the susceptibility to special preparation of 3 Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) analytical item types, determine the efficacy of self-study test familiarization materials for these item types, and to ascertain the effects of several different components of special preparation. Various sets of test preparation materials were mailed to random samples of a total of 6,600 GRE candidates approximately 5 wks before the test administration. About half of the candidates were encouraged to study the materials. Between-groups comparisons of subsequent GRE scores confirmed the susceptibility to special preparation of 2 analytical item types--analysis of explanations and logical diagrams--and suggested little effect on 2 subtypes of a 3rd analytical time type (analytical reasoning). Evidence that candidates can undertake effective self-preparation for "coachable" item types was provided, and some components of test preparation seemed more effective than others. Results strongly suggest that being engaged in some preparation, regardless of the particular kind, is conducive of successful performance on complex item types. (22 ref)