Completed: Using the Theory of Successful Intelligence as a Framework for Developing Assessments in AP Physics

Principal Investigator: R. J. Sternberg
Project Director: Linda Jarvin

Description: Each year, millions of students across the country take high-stakes achievement tests that will have an important influence on their academic and professional future, yet, many of these tests are not aligned with modern theories of student learning and cognitive processing. As a result, students with strengths in cognitive skills not assessed by these tests may have their future opportunities curtailed. The aim of this research project is to examine the impact on student achievement of creating a set of augmented, theory-driven examinations that expand the range of cognitive skills assessed. We are using the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) program in Physics as a testing ground for the project. The augmented exam is based explicitly on Sternberg’s construct-validated theory of cognitive processing skills. We are particularly interested in: (1) developing items that meet the highest standards of content-validity and (2) examining the internal validity of the augmented AP examination.

Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
IRB Approval By: Tufts University Faculty of Arts and Science Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects
Funding Period: 2005 - 2007