INVESTIGATION OF PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF SCIENCE TESTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOL INSTITUTIONS STUDENT SELECTION AND PLACEMENT TESTS

Dr. Ömer Kutlu
Ankara University
Tuba Özdil Otmanbölük
İskenderun Karayılan Saraç Elementary School

Abstract

This study investigates the psychometric properties of the Secondary School Institutions Student Selection and Placement Science Tests’ (SST) items. Firstly, test items were assessed by science educators to find cognitive processes which were measured by SST Science Tests. Then, Factor Analysis was implemented by using students’ science tests scores in selected samples and cognitive processes that were measured by tests which were named. Finally, item difficulty and discrimination indexes of science tests items were calculated to designate their distribution with regard to determined factors. At the end of the study, KR 20 reliability coefficients of SST 2000, 2001, 2002 Science Tests were found 0.76, 0.77 and 0.75 with respect to years. Comprehension, Problem Solving and Science Process Skills were determined as cognitive processes after science educators’ perceptions. Cognitive Processes, which were determined by factor analysis were consistent with those of science educators’. Items in SST Science Tests were arranged with respect to determined factors by item difficulties. Item discrimination indexes were generally found quite satisfactory. As a result, of reliabilities SST 2000, 2001 and 2002 Science Tests’ were found high and they appeared to measure higher order thinking abilities which they interded to measure.

Keywords

Factor analysis, scholastic aptitude, cognitive processes