Review of Improvement of the Written Examination

Abstract

Reviews the book, Improvement of the Written Examination by G. M. Ruch (see record 1925-10552-000 ). Perhaps the weakest point in the "test movement" in education has been the over-emphasis of the standardized test of achievement. Poorly constructed and unreliable tests have been marketed. The situation has been corrected somewhat by the appearance of a few carefully validated achievement tests in standardized form. The most important step, however, has been the attempt to teach the school administrator and the school teacher the methods of objective test construction. The volume being reviewed is a very far-reaching step in that direction. Dr. Ruch's book brings the results of experimental studies of test construction within the purview of the busy worker in education. The presentation is such that it should serve two very splendid purposes: 1. It should serve to develop a critical attitude in the mind of the teacher toward any sort of test or examination. 2. The person who gives careful study to the contents of the book will find that his concept of educational measurement has become more refined. Many teachers will have difficulty with the last two chapters in the book and there are of course other points of criticism. However, the beginner in measurement will find the book stimulating and helpful. The student specializing in test technique and measurement will find the volume a necessary addition to his library. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)