Preventive Maintenance Procedures Flashcards

Which preventive practice is most important when selecting a norm-referenced test for a student who is 3 years older than the oldest norming sample?

Answer: Select an instrument whose normative sample includes the student's actual age

Using an instrument with an appropriate normative range ensures scores are compared to a relevant peer group, preventing invalid age-based extrapolations.

A diagnostician plans to re-evaluate a student using the same instrument administered two years ago. The most important preventive step regarding practice effects is to:

Answer: Administer the identical form to maintain score comparability across time

Parallel or alternate forms reduce practice effects that would artificially inflate scores and misrepresent true growth or change.

Which action best prevents misinterpretation of discrepancy scores between ability and achievement?

Answer: Verifying that the ability and achievement scores were derived from co-normed instruments before applying a discrepancy model

Co-normed instruments share the same standardization sample, making discrepancy comparisons statistically valid and preventing inflated or deflated discrepancy estimates.

During a classroom observation required for a comprehensive evaluation, which preventive step ensures the observation data are representative?

Answer: Observing across multiple settings and time periods to capture a representative sample of behavior

Multiple observations across varied settings and times prevent unrepresentative snapshots from distorting the overall behavioral and academic picture.

Which preventive measure best reduces the impact of examiner-student relationship on test results when a teacher who knows the student is asked to assist with testing?

Answer: Use the teacher only for logistical support and have a trained, neutral examiner administer the test

A neutral, trained examiner minimizes the chance that the student's relationship with the teacher will alter response patterns or that the teacher will inadvertently cue answers.

Which record-keeping practice best prevents loss of critical data if a paper test protocol is damaged or destroyed?

Answer: Scanning and securely storing digital copies of completed protocols in a password-protected system

Secure digital backups of completed protocols protect irreplaceable test data against physical loss while maintaining confidentiality.

A student with significant test anxiety performs poorly on a timed subtest. Which preventive documentation step is most important for a valid interpretation?

Answer: Document the observed anxiety behaviors and consider their potential impact on timed performance when interpreting results

Documenting observed anxiety and contextualizing its potential effect on timed scores allows for a more valid, nuanced interpretation of the data.