Search

This study investigated the transfer of solution strategies between close variants of quantitative reasoning questions. Pre- and posttests were obtained from 406 college undergraduates, all of whom took the same posttest; pretests varied such that one group of participants saw close variants of one set of posttest items while other groups saw close variants of other sets. Some participants also saw items that looked similar to some posttest questions but were mathematically different. Between pre- and posttests, some participants viewed solution rationales explaining their incorrect answers. Students at all ability levels performed better on close variants, suggesting there was some positive transfer, but the presence of appearance variants interfered with this transfer. This study suggests an important first step toward understanding how tests and item vats can be designed to capitalize on the extent to which students set up test-taking strategies.

Studied the impact of systematic item feature variation on item statistical characteristics and the degree to which such information could be used as collateral information to supplement examinee performance data and reduce pretest sample size by generating 2 families of 48 word problem variants for the Graduate Record Examinations. Results with 24 test sections and random samples of 1,000 examinees or more demonstrate the potential of creating item variants systematically. (SLD)

Investigated the functioning of a new computer-delivered graphical modeling (GM) response type for use in a graduate admissions assessment using two GM tests differing in item features randomly spiraled among participants. Results show GM scores to be reliable and moderately related to the quantitative section of the Graduate Record Examinations. Discusses implications for test use. (SLD)

Describes three open-ended response types that could broaden the conception of mathematical problem solving used in computerized admissions tests: (1) mathematical expression (ME); (2) generating examples (GE); and (3) and graphical modeling (GM). Illustrates how combining ME, GE, and GM can form extended constructed response problems. (SLD)

Introduction: In occupational therapy, there has been an increased interest in patients' occupational participation within forensic settings. This retrospective study involved a longitudinal analysis of occupational participation within six forensic hospitals in England. The aim was to contribute to the understanding of forensic patients' occupational participation over a two-year period. Methods: The Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST) was rated by 78 occupational therapists on 489 patients in low and medium secure units who were receiving occupational therapy over two years. The many-faceted Rasch Model was used to convert their MOHOST scores at each time point into interval scales. Regression analysis was used to examine changes in occupational participation over time. Results: Patients' overall occupational participation improved over time. Specifically, participation improved in five of the six MOHOST subdomains, which included their motivation for occupation, pattern of occupation, communication/interaction skills, process skills, and environment. Patients did not demonstrate significant change in their motor skills, which varied as expected. In addition, patients in low secure units had better occupational participation than those in medium secure settings. Conclusion: Our findings indicated improvements in the patients' occupational participation over the 2-year period. Further investigations are needed to understand factors contributing to change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study examined the psychometric properties of the model of human occupation screening tool single observation form. Method: Clinical records were extracted pre- and post-treatment for 152 mental health service users. Data were model of human occupation screening tool single observation form scores and demographics. We investigated the form using Rasch analysis; we also present an analysis of change over time. Results: We identified four misfitting items and evidence of instability with respect to change over time. After anchoring to adjust for unstable estimates, it was possible to measure client change, and there were significant differences in scores pre-post treatment indicating client improvement in ability. Conclusion: The study provides initial psychometric assessment of this version of the model of human occupation screening tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In England, the Payment by Results reimbursement system was introduced for mental health services. Occupational therapists developed the indicative care packages for identified clusters endorsed by the system. This study sought to systematically gather and document occupational therapists’ viewpoints on the appropriateness of a range of therapy aims and, thereby, inform the creation of the occupational therapy indicative care packages. Method: This study is a descriptive, internet-based survey of therapists in six National Health Service trusts in the United Kingdom. Findings: A total of 262 therapists completed the survey for a response rate of 61.07%. Most were female (85.5%) with varying levels of experience (less than 5 years [33%]; between 5 and 20 years [54%]; over 20 years [13%]). Therapists evaluated the most appropriate aims specified for three occupational performance levels of service users and for six occupational areas. Additional aims were reported by therapists, and there was near-consensus for more than half of the aims, with over 75% of therapists agreeing on their appropriateness. Conclusion: Findings from experts’ empirical knowledge inform practice by providing evidence for specifying service outcomes that are theory based and occupation focused in guiding the development of recommended occupational therapy objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]