Applying Generalizability Theory using EduG (Quantitative Methodology Series)

Intended to help improve measurement and data collection methods in the behavioral, social, and medical sciences, this book demonstrates an expanded and accessible use of Generalizability Theory (G theory). G theory conceptually models the way in which the reliability of measurement is ascertained. Sources of score variation are identified as potential contributors to measurement error and taken into account accordingly. The authors demonstrate the powerful potential of G theory by showing how to improve the quality of any kind of measurement, regardless of the discipline.

Readers will appreciate the conversational style used to present a comprehensive review of G theory and its application using the freeware EduG. To maximize understanding the authors illustrate all fundamental principles with concrete examples from different fields and contexts. Annotated applications lead students through the main concepts of G theory, while illustrating both the use of EduG and interpretation of its output. Formulas are avoided wherever possible. Exercises with data sets available on the Psychology Press website allow readers to carry out their own analyses to reinforce understanding.

Brief overviews of analysis of variance, estimation, and the statistical error model are provided for review. The procedures involved in carrying out a generalizability study using EduG follow, as well as guidance in the interpretation of results. Real-world applications of G theory to the assessment of depression, managerial ability, attitudes, and writing and mathematical skills are then presented. Next, annotated exercises provide an opportunity for readers to use EduG and interpret its results. The book concludes with a review of the development of G theory and possible new directions of application. Finally, for those with a strong statistical background, the appendixes provide the formulas used by EduG.

Ideal as a supplement for courses on measurement theory and/or generalizability theory taught in departments of psychology, education, medicine, and the social sciences, this text will also appeal to researchers from a variety of fields interested in learning how to apply G theory to their studies.

Jean Cardinet is former Head of the IRDP Research Service, an institute created by the Education Departments of French speaking Switzerland to evaluate curriculum innovations introduced from 1970 onwards. He was also Professor of Education ad interim at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, after having been Head of the Institute of Psychology of the University of Neuchâtel and Research Assistant to Prof. Lee J. Cronbach in Champaign, Illinois. He received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Chicago in 1952, with Prof. Thurstone.

Sandra Johnson is a Director of Assessment Europe, a consultancy company active in the field of educational measurement. She has worked for many years in national assessment in the UK, first as Deputy Technical Director of the UK Government’s APU Science Survey Programme and later as Technical Adviser to the Scottish Government, using G theory to guide survey design and assure quality. She is a Chartered Statistician (Royal Statistical Society) and a Fellow of the Association for Educational Assessment - Europe.

Gianreto Pini has been a key methodological contributor to the theory of generalizability in the Working group Edumetrie of the Swiss Society for Educational Research. Benefiting from his experience of teaching G theory in the Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Geneva, he coauthored with Daniel Bain the G theory primer Pour évaluer vos évaluations La généralisabilité: mode d’emploi (Geneva Centre for Psycho-Educational Research, 1996), from which this current book originated.