Abstract: Testing programs that report a single score based on multiple choice and performance components must face the issue of how to derive the component scores. This paper identifies and logically evaluates alternative component weighting methods. It then examines composite reliability and validity as a function of weights, component reliability, component validity, and the correlation of the components. Weighting can make a big difference when combining a highly reliable test, such as a lengthy multiple-choice test, with a less reliable test, such as a short constructed-response test. A rational process that identifies and considers trade-offs in determining weights is suggested. (Contains 1 figure and 12 references.)

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