Problems of test Administration

Problems of test Administration
The basic rationale of testing involves generalization from the behavior sample observed in the testing situation to behavior sample observed in the testing situation to behavior manifested in other, non test situations, any influence that are specific to the test situation constitute error variance and reduce test validity. It is therefore important to identify any test related validity. It is therefore important to identify any test-retest influences that may limit or impair generalizability of test results.
1. Advanced Preparation of Examiners
The most important single requirement for good testing procedure is advance preparation. In testing there can be no emergencies. Special efforts must therefore be made to foresee and forestall emergencies. Only in this way can uniformity of procedure be assured.
Advance preparation for the testing session takes many forms such as-
 Memorizing the verbal instructions
 The preparation of the materials
 Though familiarity with the specific testing procedure

2. Testing Conditions
Standardize procedure applies no only to verbal instructions, timing, materials and other aspects of the test themselves but also to the testing environment.
 Selection of a suitable testable testing room
 Some aspects of testing situation; even apparently minor aspects of the testing situation may appreciable alter performance.
 Presence of examiner in testing condition

3. Introducing the test; Rapport and Test-Taker Orientation
In test administration, rapport refers to the examiner’s efforts to arouse the test takers interest in the test, elicit their cooperation and encourages then to respond in a manner appropriate to the objective of the test.
The examiner endeavors to motivate the respondents to follow the instructions as fully and conscientiously as they can. The training of examiners covers techniques for the establishment of rapport as well those more directly related to test administration. In establishment of rapport uniformity of conditions is essential for comparability of results. Although rapport can be more fully established in individual testing, steps can also be taken in group testing to motivated test takers and relieve their anxiety.


4. Previous Activities of Subjects
The subject’s activities immediately preceding the test may affect their performance, especially when such activities produce emotional disturbance, fatigue or other handicapping conditions.
IQ and non-verbal intelligence test was influenced by children’s preceding classroom activity.

5. Response Sets/expectations
Test performance may also be affected by the response sets with which subjects approach the test. Kind of response sets are-
The set to gamble, semantics, impulsion, acquiescence, speed vs. accuracy and falsification.