Eric D Larson

An Analysis of Information Referenced Testing as an Air Force Assessment Tool Eric D Larson

Publisher Marketing: The Department of Defense (DOD) has placed a great deal of importance on training and education, throughout all areas of infrastructure development and force implementation. A more knowledgeable operating unit, in any situation, is consistently the deciding factor for success. The United States Air Force, too, has emphasized this ideal and sought to employ those persons most qualified for the required task. Yet, problems within the classroom and various training venues are always present and should be continually marked for improvement. Existing assessment techniques should provide an accurate account of the quality of information learned by DOD personnel. This is undoubtedly crucial to war and peacetime functions. Therefore, testing as an assessment tool should be challenged, and new procedures -- if deemed effective -- should be recognized and introduced. This thesis looks at examination methods based on confidence-level items and two-dimensional feedback mechanisms. Information Referenced Testing (IRT) has been designed to more effectively measure and reflect the amount of knowledge attained by a student. The following research is an examination of IRT and its role in Air Education and Training Command. It will study two-dimensional items in multiple-choice examinations as a legitimate assessment tool for students, instructors, and administrators.