A Simple Method of Scoring and Interpreting Sequential Responses

Abstract

A NOT uncommon problem in psychological and educational measure ment is that of scoring and interpreting responses to questions or situations which require that the answers be given in a specific order or sequence. A whole series of such questions are employed in the social sciences, espe cially in history. They require the arranging in chronological order of a series of important movements, significant events, famous men, political documents, institutional origins. The same general problem is encountered in the intelligence test item in which actual weights are to be arranged in order of magnitude, and in trade tests wherein the subject is asked to arrange in order several specimens of wood or metal according to degree of hardness. Another example is found in the problem of arranging specimens of com position, of drawings, of literature, and of handwriting in order of merit. Still another example is found in an automobile driver's test in which the nearness of several lights is to be estimated.