| Popis: |
In 1985, the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) conducted a role delineation study (occupational analysis) of hand therapy. The data from the study established the basis for a formal process of certification in hand therapy. As a result, a test blueprint was developed, and test items were constructed. The focus of this paper is on the development and results of eight field tests conducted in 1989 and 1990 to select items for the inaugural examination in 1991. The items with the most appropriate level of difficulty and which conform to the test specifications will be selected for the examination. The paper includes a discussion of the use of data derived from the role delineation study to influence the test blueprint. A description of item development and item review follows. Overall, the results of the field test were very good. Over 50% of the 600 items field-tested have statistical indicators in the appropriate range for use on the certification examination. The mean scores and reliabilities of the eight different field-test forms were quite similar, indicating that the items were similar in content and difficulty level. The items were fairly difficult. This result, however, is desirable, since the field-test examinees had not yet prepared for the certification examination. Subgroup scores based on demographic information collected from field-test examinees generally supported the appropriateness of the items for advanced competency certification. These results are presented in detail and the implications for the certification program are discussed. |
