Using Difference Scores in Making Screening and Placement Decisions

Abstract

This paper presents a step-by-step procedure for finding the probability of occurrence of the difference between test scores and the probalitily of occunerce of errors of measurement, This procedure is useful ininterpreting test results to parents and in making placement decisions. Difference scores are often used in the placement of students in learning disabilities and remedial reading programs. This type of profile analysis is hazardous unless the reliability of the pairs of tests is taken into account.

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