Measurement Theory in Action: Case Studies and Exercises

- Keith F. Widaman, University of California, Davis

′There is a real need for something like this, and the authors have done a good job covering the domain′

- Kevin Murphy, Pennsylvania State University

The major emphasis of most psychometrics textbooks is on explaining test theory. Although students certainly need this foundation, professors wishing to supplement theory with applied examples and exercises have traditionally had very few sources. Measurement Theory in Action: Case Studies and Exercises is the perfect solution. In this volume, authors Kenneth Shultz and David Whitney provide professors and students the opportunity to implement the theoretical material students are exposed to elsewhere in their courses.

The text comprises twenty modules, each corresponding to entire chapters in typical measurement theory texts. The modules begin with introductory concepts and a review of statistics; progress through conceptions of content, criterion-related, and construct validation, validity generalization and test bias; and they conclude with more advanced topics such as multiple regression and item response theory (IRT). Each module is composed of an overview, case studies, exercises, Internet references, and suggested further readings. Also included are step-by-step examples that allow students to practice their skills in the area of applied psychological measurement. An extensive glossary of key terms is also provided for quick reference.

Key Features

- Concise overviews clarify major topics in classical and modern test theory

- Case studies depict typical dilemmas and difficulties faced when applying measurement theory

- Exercises include brief in-class assignments, take-home or lab tasks that require the use of statistical analysis software, and course-long test development projects

- Suggested readings and Internet references provide timely and relevant measurement-related information

Measurement Theory in Action is ideal as a supplemental text for any measurement course across the social sciences and especially in departments of psychology and education. Professional researchers and academics in need of a quick refresher on the application of measurement theory will also find this an invaluable reference.

Kenneth S. Shultz earned his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Industrial/Organizational psychology from Wayne State University.  He is a professor in the psychology department at California State University, San Bernardino and serves as director of their Master of Science Program in I/O Psychology.  Professor Shultz teaches undergraduate courses in statistics, tests and measurements, and industrial psychology and graduate courses in correlation and regression statistics, applied psychological measurement, and personnel selection and test validation.  Prior to his academic career, he worked for four years for the City of Los Angeles as a personnel research analyst, where he conducted applied psychological measurement projects in job analysis, test validation and other applied areas, and he continues to engage in consulting assignments on applied measurement issues for public and private agencies, giving him solid "real world" experience to apply to this book.  He has presented papers and published articles on a variety of applied measurement and test construction issues in addition to his substantive work in the aras of personnel selection, aging workforce issues, and retirement.  When not teaching or writing, he enjoys running, watching sports, and generally hanging out with his wife and son.

David J. Whitney earned his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Michigan State University.  He is an associate professor of psychology at California State University, Long Beach, where he is one of the core faculty members in the master′s program in I/O Psychology.  Dr. Whitney serves on the Board of Directors of the Personnel Testing Council of Southern California.  He has also served as a program evaluator for a number of multi-year grants funded by the National Science Foundation.  He teaches undergraduate courses on I/O psychology and introductory statistics and graduate courses on test construction, personnel selection, and employee training.  Dr. Whitney′s research investigates applicant perceptions of employment tests, test-taking strategies, and the impact of test coaching on performance.  Coincidental to CSULB′s location along the Newport-Inglewood earthquake fault, Dr. Whitney′s publication record also reflects his interest in the application of psychological theory to the promotion of seismic hazard preparedness.  While Dr. Whitney loves his adopted home of Southern California, his childhood roots are reflected in his undying (some might say undeserved) devotion to New York Jets football.