Browsing by Subject "testing"
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Item An examination of factors contributing to a reduction in race-based subgroup differences on a constructed response paper-and-pencil test of achievement(Texas A&M University, 2004-09-30) Edwards, Bryan D.The objectives of the present study were to: (a) replicate the results of Arthur et al. (2002) by comparing race-based subgroup differences on a multiple-choice and constructed response test in a laboratory setting using a larger sample, (b) extend their work by investigating the role of reading ability, test-taking skills, and test perceptions that could explain why subgroup differences are reduced when the test format is changed from multiple-choice to a constructed response format, and (c) assess the criterion-related validity of the constructed response test. Two hundred sixty White and 204 African Americans completed a demographic questionnaire, Test Attitudes and Perceptions Survey, a multiple-choice or constructed response test, the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Short Form, the Nelson-Denny Reading Test, Experimental Test of Testwiseness, and a post-test questionnaire. In general, the pattern of results supported the hypotheses in the predicted direction. For example, although there was a reduction in subgroup differences in performance on the constructed response compared to the multiple-choice test, the difference was not statistically significant. However, analyses by specific test content yielded a significant reduction in subgroup differences on the science reasoning section. In addition, all of the hypothesized study variables, with the exception of face validity, were significantly related to test performance. Significant subgroup differences were also obtained for all study variables except for belief in tests and stereotype threat. The results also indicate that reading ability, test-taking skills, and perceived fairness partially mediated the relationship between race and test performance. Finally, the criterion-related validity for the constructed response test was stronger than that for the multiple-choice test. The results suggested that the constructed response test format investigated in the present study may be a viable alternative to the traditional multiple-choice format in high-stakes testing to solve the organizational dilemma of using the most valid predictors of job performance and simultaneously reducing subgroup differences and subsequent adverse impact on tests of knowledge, skill, ability, and achievement. However, additional research is needed to further demonstrate the appropriateness of the constructed response format as an alternative to traditional testing methods.Item Assessing the relationships among PSAT and TAKS scores in selected Texas high schools(Texas A&M University, 2004-11-15) Wilson, Eric DarylThe purpose of this research study was to determine the relationships among PSAT scores and TAKS scores in selected Texas high schools in order to inform state policy makers, school district administrators and teachers as they strive to implement policies to improve student achievement. In addition the findings of this study can be vital for curriculum planning pre-K-16. The population for this study was the 3,243 sophomores at the 55 Texas high schools involved in the Texas AP/IB Center's PSAT Pilot Program. The schools participating in this program were selected based on the high proportion of students from low-income homes and the lack of an AP program or low AP program participation. Students at participating high schools were predominantly minority and from homes identified by the Texas Education agency as low socioeconomic status. This study's significance is based on its potential to provide school district administrators additional information on which to base decisions regarding budget allocations for Advanced Placement programs. With greater stress on high-stakes testing and greater competition to enter higher education, Texas school districts will have initial data upon which to strengthen curricular offerings. Additionally, this study will provide policymakers at the state and local level the data necessary to make decisions when marketing and promoting the Advanced Placement program. Research findings of this study included: 1. The degree of association between PSAT score and TAKS scores was moderate. 2. Caucasian students consistently outperformed their minority counterparts on all examinations. 3. Economically disadvantaged students achieved lower scores than their more affluent counterparts on all tests. 4. Females outperformed males on most exams, but the results are not conclusive.Item Defect site prediction based upon statistical analysis of fault signatures(Texas A&M University, 2004-09-30) Trinka, Michael RobertGood failure analysis is the ability to determine the site of a circuit defect quickly and accurately. We propose a method for defect site prediction that is based on a site's probability of excitation, making no assumptions about the type of defect being analyzed. We do this by analyzing fault signatures and comparing them to the defect signature. We use this information to construct an ordered list of sites that are likely to be the site of the defect.Item Evaluation of Packaging Film Mechanical Integrity Using a Standardized Scratch Test(2012-10-19) Hare, BrianPolymeric packaging films see widespread use in the food packaging industry, and their mechanical integrity is paramount to maintaining product appearance, freshness, and overall food safety. Current testing methods, such as tensile or puncture tests, do not necessarily correlate well with field damages that are observed to be scratch-like. The standardized linearly increasing load scratch test is investigated as a new means of evaluating the mechanical integrity of packaging films. Mechanical clamp and vacuum fixtures were considered for securing the films to a set of backing materials and tested under various testing rates and film orientation conditions. Film performance was evaluated according to their puncture load. Based on the above study, the vacuum fixture offers the most consistent and meaningful results by providing a more intimate contact between film and backing and minimizing uncontrolled buckling of the film during testing. Additional testing was also carried out on a commercial film to confirm similarity between damage observed in the scratched films and that from the field. The scratch test gives good correlation between field performance and scratch test results on a set of commercial films. The usefulness of the scratch test methodology for packaging film mechanical integrity evaluation is discussed. Scratch-induced damages on multi-layer commercial packaging films are investigated using cross- and longitudinal-sectioning. Scratch test results show clear distinction between the two tested systems on both the inside and outside surfaces. Microscopy was performed to investigate the feasibility of utilizing this methodology as a tool for packaging film structure evaluation by determining the effect each layer has on the resistance of scratch damages. It is shown that the film showing superior scratch test results also shows significantly better stress distribution through its layers during the scratch test, as well as better layer adhesion during severe deformation. The scratch test shows good ability to provide more in-depth film mechanical integrity testing by allowing for layer-by-layer analysis of damages and layer adhesion after testing.Item Modeling, Optimization and Testing for Analog/Mixed-Signal Circuits in Deeply Scaled CMOS Technologies(2011-02-22) Yu, GuoAs CMOS technologies move to sub-100nm regions, the design and verification for analog/mixed-signal circuits become more and more difficult due to the problems including the decrease of transconductance, severe gate leakage and profound mismatches. The increasing manufacturing-induced process variations and their impacts on circuit performances make the already complex circuit design even more sophisticated in the deeply scaled CMOS technologies. Given these barriers, efforts are needed to ensure the circuits are robust and optimized with consideration of parametric variations. This research presents innovative computer-aided design approaches to address three such problems: (1) large analog/mixed-signal performance modeling under process variations, (2) yield-aware optimization for complex analog/mixedsignal systems and (3) on-chip test scheme development to detect and compensate parametric failures. The first problem focus on the efficient circuit performance evaluation with consideration of process variations which serves as the baseline for robust analog circuit design. We propose statistical performance modeling methods for two popular types of complex analog/mixed-signal circuits including Sigma-Delta ADCs and charge-pump PLLs. A more general performance modeling is achieved by employing a geostatistics motivated performance model (Kriging model), which is accurate and efficient for capturing stand-alone analog circuit block performances. Based on the generated block-level performance models, we can solve the more challenging problem of yield-aware system optimization for large analog/mixed-signal systems. Multi-yield pareto fronts are utilized in the hierarchical optimization framework so that the statistical optimal solutions can be achieved efficiently for the systems. We further look into on-chip design-for-test (DFT) circuits in analog systems and solve the problems of linearity test in ADCs and DFT scheme optimization in charge-pump PLLs. Finally a design example of digital intensive PLL is presented to illustrate the practical applications of the modeling, optimization and testing approaches for large analog/mixed-signal systems.Item Seal strength models for medical device trays(2009-05-15) Mays, Patricia FayeSeven empirical equations were developed for the prediction of seal strength for medical device trays. A new methodology was developed and used for identifying burst and peel locations and comparing burst pressure and peel force. Multiple linear regression was used to fit 76 models, selecting the best models based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and adjusted R2 (R2 adj) value of each model. The selected models have R2 adj and prediction R2 (R2 pred) values of .83 to .94. Factors investigated for the peel force response were sealing pressure (3 levels), dwell time (3 levels), sealing temperature (3 levels), and adhesive. Additional factors investigated for the burst pressure response were restraining plate gap, and tray volume, height, length-to-width ratio and area. Polyethylene terephthalate-glycol (PETG) trays with Tyvek 1073B lids and two popular water-based adhesives were used. Trays were selected to yield three levels of area and three levels of length-to-width ratio, defining nine package configurations. Packages for burst testing were sealed under a fractional factorial design with 27 treatments. Packages for peel testing were sealed under a 17-point face-centered central composite design. Packages were tested using peel testing following the ASTM F88-07 standard and restrained burst testing with three gap distances following the ASTM F2054-00 standard. All possible subsets of the factors were evaluated, with the best models selected based on AIC value. Equations were developed to predict peak and average peel force based on sealing process parameters (R2 pred =.94 and .92), burst pressure based on tray and sealing parameters and gap (R2 pred =.94), and four peel force responses based on burst pressure and gap (R2 pred =.83 to .86). Models were validated through cross-validation, using the prediction error sum of squares (PRESS) statistic. The R2 pred was calculated to estimate the predictive ability of each model.