Open AccessON THE MEANINGS OF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE
Author(s) -
Bennett Randy Elliot
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
ets research report series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.235
H-Index - 5
ISSN - 2330-8516
DOI - 10.1002/j.2333-8504.1991.tb01429.x
Subject(s) - superordinate goals , meaning (existential) , construct (python library) , variety (cybernetics) , relevance (law) , psychology , term (time) , value (mathematics) , construct validity , item response theory , social psychology , cognitive psychology , epistemology , computer science , psychometrics , artificial intelligence , developmental psychology , philosophy , physics , quantum mechanics , machine learning , political science , law , psychotherapist , programming language
This paper explores the multiple meanings of constructed response . The term is conceptualized as a superordinate category subsuming a variety of item formats ranging from minor adaptations of multiple choice to “authentic” assessment tasks. The meaning of these formats is explored through four validity facets: construct validity, relevance/utility, value implications, and social consequences. This exploration leads to a multi‐dimensional structure for conceptualizing constructed‐response formats. From this conception, it is argued that appreciating the term's multiple meanings broadens the intellectual and political debate, identifies gaps in our knowledge base, and suggests a balanced approach to educational assessment.