Why the Classical Test Theory Matters to Me

The Classical Test Theory Matters to me because it tries to understand the true score of a test and predict how an individual will perform when taking the certain test when combined with different types of error. This can be explained in a formula as the following.

Observed Theory= True Score + Method Error + Trait Error + Random Error

In order to reduce method error the factors of reliability and objectivity must be used properly to ensure low levels of method error.

In order to reduce trait error we must look at the focus of the test, the application, and the scoring.

So as an educator you might be asking yourself “Well, this formula is nice but what does it mean?” In addition, I am glad you asked; let us look at the different components to the classical test theory to gain a better understanding of them.

True Score- The classical test theory assumes that true score is attained by taking the test with no error in measurement

Method Error, Trait Error, Random Error – Being that these are all different types of error they pertain to the classical test theory because they are examples of different types of error in either the taking of the test or in the application of the test. These errors are then combined with the true score that then add up to the observed score.

Observed Score- This score is the combination of the true score and the error that become combined so that they add up to the observed score. The observed score is the score the teacher would receive as the final score.