Re: AP Physics B Exam

[Tim Burgess <tburgess@jaguar1.usouthal.edu>]

On Tue, 7 May 1996, Chris Maj wrote:
> In contrast with the many theories on 'crib sheets', the only formula that I
> idea of assessing one's knowledge on a multi-choice test perplexes me.

The avoidance of Crib sheets is quite typical of college exams. That is
why this is done for the AP.

My understanding (from the material available) is that the AP tests are
normed first on University students taking the exam. A correlation takes
the grades given by the professors (at these universities) and matches them
with performance on the test items. The entire process is statistically
based on the multiple choice. Your grade depends on how those students did!

There are no internal validity or factor analysis of the tests...because
comparing your performance to the college student who makes a B or A is the
only thing of interest. 

The AP Physics B has been, in the past, a exam for non-science majors...
the intended population.

Good Luck!

Tim


Tim Burgess
University of South Alabama
Physics Truck Driver
tburgess@jaguar1.usouthal.edu