Applications of decision theory to test-based decision making

Abstract

Historically, the use of tests has its roots in the necessity for selection and placement decisions in education, the army, and public administration. This is demonstrated in DuBois’s (1970) historiography of such cases as Binet’s pioneering work on developing a test for the assignment of retarded children to special education, the testing of conscripts for placement in the army during World War I, and the examination of applicants for the civil service in ancient China. It is no coincidence that, in each of these fields, decision making is characterized both by high visibility and a massive number of examinees. In such cases it seems logical to use tests on which to base decisions.