Articles tagged with Educational Testing
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A new study by Purdue University reveals that practicing memory retrieval improves science learning more effectively than elaborate study routines. The researchers found that students who practiced retrieval showed a 50% improvement in long-term retention compared to those using concept maps.
A University of Chicago study found that writing about worries immediately before an exam can ease anxiety and boost test scores. Researchers discovered that students who wrote about their anxieties showed significant improvements in math accuracy compared to those who didn't write, even among those with high test anxiety.
A study found that clinical decision support systems can lower imaging utilization rates for low back pain lumbar MRI, headache head MRI, and sinusitis sinus CT. These systems provide real-time feedback to providers, aiding in the elimination of unnecessary imaging and increasing patient safety and quality.
A novel test has been developed to accurately diagnose Turner syndrome in girls, allowing for timely management of co-morbid conditions. The new test can be performed on cheek swabs or newborn screening blood spots and has shown a high accuracy rate in detecting the disorder.
A study found that ER patients value accurate diagnoses more than radiation concerns from CT scans. Patients prefer discussing the risks and benefits of CT with their physicians before ordering the exam.
A study by researchers at the University of Missouri has found that students' spatial abilities are crucial for success in sonography. Students with greater spatial abilities were more likely to score high on scanning proficiency tests over two semesters.
A nationwide study of over 84,000 students found that those with high debt levels or low MCAT scores were more likely to face difficulties in medical school, including graduation or licensing exam failure. Students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups also faced higher dropout rates.
A study found that non-white students and those with lower Medical College Admission Test scores are more likely to drop out of medical school. The research, conducted by Washington University in St. Louis, analyzed data from over 97,000 students who were accepted between 1994-1999.
A new Northwestern University study has developed a technology that can detect imminent terrorist attacks by correlating P300 brain waves with guilty knowledge in mock terrorism scenarios. The test was accurate in identifying critical concealed information, even without prior knowledge of the planned crime.
A study published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society found that lower performance on tests measuring learning and processing speed, as well as symptoms of depression, predicted subsequent cognitive decline in a normal population. The researchers used advanced statistical methodology to analyze multiple varia...
A new study by Duke University scholars found that students who have home computers tend to post lower math and reading scores, particularly those from disadvantaged families. The researchers analyzed responses from over 150,000 students and found that the negative effects on test scores were modest but significant.
A study led by Loyola University Health System researcher found that 54% of cirrhosis patients scored below the 10th percentile for their age and education on a test measuring neurocognitive abilities.
The March issue of Educational Researcher explores new findings on cognitive ability, IQ, and its influence on life success, as well as the effectiveness of test-based grade retention policies. Additionally, researchers challenge the use of free lunch eligibility as a measure of socioeconomic status.
In a controlled experiment, researchers found that binge drinking did not impact academic test scores, but slowed attention and reaction times. Binge drinking may still affect other types of academic performance, such as essay-writing and problem-solving.
A new 21-gene test is helping doctors and patients make informed treatment decisions by predicting whether chemotherapy is necessary for early-stage breast cancer. The test, which examines tumor gene activity, has led to changes in treatment recommendations in 31.5% of cases, with most changes favoring avoidance of chemotherapy.
Research suggests that integrating horticulture lessons into the classroom can significantly boost student test scores in science and environmental awareness. In a study, middle school students who received hands-on horticulture lessons showed substantial improvements in post-test scores, with increases of up to 25 points in some cases.
According to a University of Michigan report, physicians can safely skip pre-surgery stress tests and beta blockers for patients with stable heart disease. This change could save lives and reduce costs by 50-70%. The new guidelines recommend reserving these medications for high-risk patients undergoing complicated surgeries.
Rutgers computer scientists are developing a new approach to strengthen online security by asking users activity-based personal questions, making it harder for intruders to guess answers. Early studies suggest these questions related to recent activities are more robust than traditional security questions.
Researchers at Duke University found a clear dose-response pattern between lead exposure and test performance, with the effects becoming more pronounced as lead levels increase. Early childhood exposure to lead accounts for 7-16% of decline in test scores, while family poverty status accounts for 25-28%, and parental education for 58-65%.
In the early 1960s, a Harvard-educated surgeon and US Air Force General proposed testing women in space due to their lighter weight, lower heart rate, and fewer reproductive system issues. A total of 19 women were enrolled, with 68% passing the tests, earning them the nickname 'Mercury 13'. The data from these women's physiological tes...
The increasing use of smart drugs to boost academic performance may necessitate routine doping tests for exam students, suggests Vince Cakic. Despite the illegitimacy of chemically enhanced academic success, nootropics are near impossible to ban due to their ready availability for therapeutic use.
Investors tend to view stocks with shorter up-and-down movements as less risky, a phenomenon known as the 'run-length effect'. This bias is influenced by education level and trading experience, leading to systematic biases in risk perceptions that can impact market prices.
A study by Indiana University found that geography knowledge among college freshmen has not improved despite increased K-12 support. The test scores were two percent lower in 2002 than in 1987, reflecting a national trend.
A study of 5,434 patients found that 7.1% of abnormal test results were not informed to patients or documented, with practices using paper and electronic records having the highest failure rates. Practices with better testing processes had lower failure rates and more satisfied physicians.
A recent article in Medical Decision Making suggests that the FDA is ignoring critical information on home HIV tests, which may lead to underestimating their effectiveness. The test's manufacturer is unlikely to produce a cheaper version due to retail pricing concerns.
Researchers found that students speaking East Asian tone languages fluently scored nearly 100% on a perfect pitch test, while those who were only fairly fluent or not fluent at all performed worse. The study suggests that nurture may play a significant role in developing this rare ability.
A University of Illinois study suggests that challenging middle-school math classes and increased access to advanced courses can close the racial academic achievement gap. The research found that students who take more advanced math courses in middle school have better academic outcomes and are less likely to fall behind.
A new book by Boston College researchers George Madaus, Michael Russell, and Jennifer Higgins explores the unintended consequences of high-stakes testing on students, teachers, and schools. The authors propose reforms to improve test accuracy, provide detailed diagnostic information, and measure essential 21st-century skills.
A study found that test scores improved in privatized schools, but at a slower rate than the rest of the city's public schools. The achievement gap between the two groups increased by 2006, with the privatized schools lagging behind their public counterparts.
A recent study by Charles Hillman and Darla Castelli found that physical activity can improve children's cognitive control and academic achievement. Children who engaged in a 20-minute walking session performed better on flanker tasks and showed improved event-related brain potentials.
A new study by Michigan State University found that charter school students are 7-15% more likely to graduate from high school and attend college compared to their traditional public school counterparts. This positive trend suggests improvements in graduation rates for charter schools, but mixed results for test scores and other outcomes.
A new study found that children comprehend the link between feelings and performance, but only for negative emotions. Children of all ages understood how emotional states impact school performance, while younger children struggled to grasp the connection between positive emotions and improved performance.
Scientists found that higher education may delay cognitive decline in individuals with brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential 'cognitive reserve' benefit.
The No Child Left Behind law has led to a focus on teaching to the test, resulting in marginalized writing instruction in low-income schools. Younger teachers in these schools face increased pressure to perform due to high-stakes testing, leading to burnout and turnover.
A new study by the University of Illinois found that high school students with good social skills, such as conscientiousness and cooperativeness, earn more than those with similar test scores but fewer social skills. The study's findings challenge traditional views on educational attainment and earnings.
Researchers found that piling on homework has a larger impact on math test scores for high and low achievers, but less so for average achievers. This suggests alternative approaches, such as sports or art, may be more beneficial for this group.
A new study suggests that up to three-quarters of US schools labeled as 'failing' due to low test scores would pass using a measure of student learning impact. This approach considers students' learning rates during and outside the school year, providing a more accurate picture of school effectiveness.
Research suggests that improved early-life nutrition is associated with better cognitive function in adulthood, regardless of years attended school. Participants exposed to nutritional supplements between birth and age 24 months scored higher on reading comprehension and cognitive tests.
Researchers at Kew Gardens are testing a sensor device that gathers crucial data on air temperature, humidity, and soil moisture to help farmers in Africa make informed decisions about planting and harvesting. The device aims to optimize crop yields, reduce waste, and improve food security for local communities.
A new study found that family wealth is positively associated with parenting behavior, home environment, and children's self-esteem. Family wealth accumulated from different sources also has a distinct influence on children at different developmental stages.
Recent discoveries at Yalbac, a Maya center in Belize, suggest that different groups, including nobles and commoners, built temples. The archaeologist's findings indicate that non-royals had the freedom to choose which temples to worship in and support.
Most states have implemented NCLB test-based accountability requirements, with three-quarters of schools making adequate yearly progress in 2003-04. However, performance varies significantly across states, with high-poverty and minority schools more likely to be identified for improvement.
A study found that liking one's own name can sabotage success for people whose initials match negative performance labels. Researchers analyzed Major League Baseball players' performance and found batters with names starting with 'K' struck out more often. Similarly, in academia, students with initials 'C' or 'D' earned lower GPAs.
Two new studies, led by the University of Michigan Stroke Program, reveal that 69% of stroke victims don't reach the hospital within three hours of symptom onset, resulting in delayed tPA treatment. A middle-school education program shows promising results in improving recognition and response to stroke symptoms.
A study found that high-risk individuals are less likely to follow through on HIV testing plans, despite planning to be tested. The study suggests that targeting interventions at these populations could increase testing rates and combat the HIV epidemic.
A new study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that random drug and alcohol testing among high school athletes did not reduce past month or year use. In fact, students at schools with regular testing reported feeling less athletically competent and believed less in the benefits of drug testing.
Researchers found that the widely-used numeric rating scale (NRS) fails to identify about a third of patients with pain serious enough to impair day-to-day functioning. The study highlights the limitations of universal pain screening and suggests that other methods may be more effective in addressing this common problem in primary care.
A good reception year teacher makes a significant difference in primary school education, with cumulative effects throughout the years. The study found that early years education is critical for children's later cognitive development, and focusing on these years can yield long-term gains.
A study found that internal medicine residents scored low in a test of biostatistics knowledge, with many expressing low confidence in understanding medical literature statistics. The results highlight the need for more effective training in biostatistics for residency education to prevent incorrect interpretations of clinical research.
A study by Ohio State University sociologist Paul von Hippel found that students in year-round schools showed similar improvement in math and reading test scores compared to traditional nine-month schools. While disadvantaged children may gain slightly more in reading, the overall impact on academics is minimal.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that autistic children excel in fluid intelligence tests, such as the Raven's Progressive Matrices, which assess problem-solving skills and abstract thinking. In contrast, they often struggle with language-based IQ tests like the WISC.
A recent study by Bruce Fuller and colleagues found that progress in raising test scores was stronger before No Child Left Behind was approved, compared to the four years following enactment of the law. The researchers tracked progress in both state and federal test scores in 12 diverse states, going back to 1992, and found that annual...
A survey of high school students found that most struggle with early morning start times, leading to decreased alertness and poor academic performance. The teens recommended starting school at a later time, allowing for more sleep and improved focus.
A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that girls outperform boys in math grades due to their learning-oriented approach. However, when it comes to math achievement tests, the gap disappears, suggesting that confidence plays a crucial role.
A survey of primary care physicians found that only 23% used effective urine sample collection methods, while 40% were unsure about poppy seeds causing positive opioid test results. Misinterpretation of false-positive findings can lead to false accusations and diminished trust among parents, schools, and counselors.
A new study found that pediatricians frequently neglect to follow up on children who fail initial hearing screenings, leaving them without necessary treatment. This can lead to delayed diagnosis of hearing loss and potentially irreversible language delays in young children.
A recent study found that nearly 40% of research participants expressed concerns about genetic discrimination affecting their insurance coverage. Concerns were higher among certain age groups, ethnicities, and income levels, with some participants expressing fear of being discriminated against due to a genetic predisposition.
A study found that TIA patients received fewer diagnostic tests, including ultrasound and echocardiography, compared to stroke patients. The study also showed that TIA patients were less likely to receive documented education on preventing further strokes at discharge.
Researchers found that native Mandarin speakers are almost nine times more likely to have the ability. Early music training also plays a significant role in developing perfect pitch, with Chinese students showing higher incidence rates than U.S. counterparts.
A study found that behavioral and psychosocial barriers, such as lack of concern about infection and fear of blood drawing, prevent women from getting repeat HIV testing. Offering alternative tests, like oral tests, could encourage more testing among this demographic.