NCLEX scores for the nursing program have been falling and the faculty are considering im-
plementing 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 bench-
mark 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 docu-
menting 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 assess-
ment?
Criterion-referenced assessment
Summative assessment
Norm-referenced assessment
Formative assessment - ANSWER Answer: D
Rationale: Formative assessment occurs during the assessment period and supports modifi-
cation 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 perfor-
mance
1
, Assessment of students' acquisition of knowledge and skills during a particular clinical expe-
rience
Determination that learning occurred and behavioral objectives were met during the semes-
ter
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 learn-
ing 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 sum-
mative end-of-program student achievement of program learning outcomes. Which assess-
ment method would be the best choice?
Cumulative portfolio assignments in each course
A comprehensive final course exam
A reflective journal
Self-evaluation reflection survey - ANSWER Answer: A
Rationale: A comprehensive portfolio can best demonstrate overall achievement of program
learning outcomes. While Option B may address specific competencies, it is unlikely to re-
flect all learning outcomes. Options C and D are both student reflections, which may not re-
flect program outcomes.
2
plementing 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 bench-
mark 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 docu-
menting 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 assess-
ment?
Criterion-referenced assessment
Summative assessment
Norm-referenced assessment
Formative assessment - ANSWER Answer: D
Rationale: Formative assessment occurs during the assessment period and supports modifi-
cation 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 perfor-
mance
1
, Assessment of students' acquisition of knowledge and skills during a particular clinical expe-
rience
Determination that learning occurred and behavioral objectives were met during the semes-
ter
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 learn-
ing 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 sum-
mative end-of-program student achievement of program learning outcomes. Which assess-
ment method would be the best choice?
Cumulative portfolio assignments in each course
A comprehensive final course exam
A reflective journal
Self-evaluation reflection survey - ANSWER Answer: A
Rationale: A comprehensive portfolio can best demonstrate overall achievement of program
learning outcomes. While Option B may address specific competencies, it is unlikely to re-
flect all learning outcomes. Options C and D are both student reflections, which may not re-
flect program outcomes.
2
