Chapter 3 Use of Assessment &
Evaluation Strategies-CNE
NCLEX scores for the nursing program have been falling and the faculty are considering implementing a
required exit test. Which statement best reflects faculty understanding of fair testing guidelines?
"We need to consider all the data before developing an exit test policy."
"NCLEX scores will go up if we require the students to retake the test to achieve the benchmark score."
"Standardized tests have proven results and predict who will pass the NCLEX."
"Students should be able to demonstrate a high score on the standardized test before we let them take
the NCLEX." - Answer-Answer: A
Rationale: Faculty should consider all data when implementing a standardized test policy. Options B and
C are not supported by data, and Option D does not accurately reflect fair testing policies.
A nurse faculty member on a clinical unit notices that the students are not correctly documenting their
patient's vital signs. He develops a short exercise to be used in that day's post-conference to practice
vital sign documentation. This is an example of which type of assessment?
Criterion-referenced assessment
Summative assessment
Norm-referenced assessment
Formative assessment - Answer-Answer: D
, Rationale: Formative assessment occurs during the assessment period and supports modification of
instruction. Options A, B, and C are not related.
Which best represents the purpose of a summative clinical evaluation tool?
Determination of the relative effect of education on the students' weekly clinical performance
Assessment of students' acquisition of knowledge and skills during a particular clinical experience
Determination that learning occurred and behavioral objectives were met during the semester
Assessment of all activities associated with students' clinical experience over the duration of the
program - Answer-Answer: C
Rationale: Guiding questions in summative evaluation include "Were behavioral objectives of the clinical
course met?" and "Did the individual(s) learn?" Options A and B assess learning during one certain time
and are not summative, and Option D is program evaluation.
Which best describes a criterion-referenced assessment activity?
Interpretation of data in terms of a norm or group
Evaluation of mastery of specified outcomes
Use of information for predictive purposes
Comparison of data between groups - Answer-Answer: B
Rationale: Options A, C, and D are examples of norm-referenced interpretation. Criterion-
referenced interpretation of data is used typically in competency-based models to achieve competence
in, or mastery of, specified learning outcomes.
The graduate nursing faculty are considering an evaluation method that demonstrates summative end-
of-program student achievement of program learning outcomes. Which assessment method would be
the best choice?
Cumulative portfolio assignments in each course
A comprehensive final course exam
A reflective journal
Evaluation Strategies-CNE
NCLEX scores for the nursing program have been falling and the faculty are considering implementing a
required exit test. Which statement best reflects faculty understanding of fair testing guidelines?
"We need to consider all the data before developing an exit test policy."
"NCLEX scores will go up if we require the students to retake the test to achieve the benchmark score."
"Standardized tests have proven results and predict who will pass the NCLEX."
"Students should be able to demonstrate a high score on the standardized test before we let them take
the NCLEX." - Answer-Answer: A
Rationale: Faculty should consider all data when implementing a standardized test policy. Options B and
C are not supported by data, and Option D does not accurately reflect fair testing policies.
A nurse faculty member on a clinical unit notices that the students are not correctly documenting their
patient's vital signs. He develops a short exercise to be used in that day's post-conference to practice
vital sign documentation. This is an example of which type of assessment?
Criterion-referenced assessment
Summative assessment
Norm-referenced assessment
Formative assessment - Answer-Answer: D
, Rationale: Formative assessment occurs during the assessment period and supports modification of
instruction. Options A, B, and C are not related.
Which best represents the purpose of a summative clinical evaluation tool?
Determination of the relative effect of education on the students' weekly clinical performance
Assessment of students' acquisition of knowledge and skills during a particular clinical experience
Determination that learning occurred and behavioral objectives were met during the semester
Assessment of all activities associated with students' clinical experience over the duration of the
program - Answer-Answer: C
Rationale: Guiding questions in summative evaluation include "Were behavioral objectives of the clinical
course met?" and "Did the individual(s) learn?" Options A and B assess learning during one certain time
and are not summative, and Option D is program evaluation.
Which best describes a criterion-referenced assessment activity?
Interpretation of data in terms of a norm or group
Evaluation of mastery of specified outcomes
Use of information for predictive purposes
Comparison of data between groups - Answer-Answer: B
Rationale: Options A, C, and D are examples of norm-referenced interpretation. Criterion-
referenced interpretation of data is used typically in competency-based models to achieve competence
in, or mastery of, specified learning outcomes.
The graduate nursing faculty are considering an evaluation method that demonstrates summative end-
of-program student achievement of program learning outcomes. Which assessment method would be
the best choice?
Cumulative portfolio assignments in each course
A comprehensive final course exam
A reflective journal
