The effect of item sequence on bar examination scores

Stephen P. Klein, Roger E. Bolus

Expert InsightsPublished 1983

This study investigated the degree to which scores on a test of certain legal research skills correlated with scores on the essay and multiple choice portions of a state's bar exam and with various background characteristics, including racial/ethnic group. Results indicated the Research Test reliably measured skills that were only partially correlated with those assessed by the regular bar exam. Research Test scores were more highly related to indexes of the ability to practice law than the traditional measures of lawyering skill. As a result of these findings, the bar exam now includes a Research Test.

Document Details

  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1983
  • Pages: 5
  • Document Number: P-6857

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Klein, Stephen P. and Roger E. Bolus, The effect of item sequence on bar examination scores. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1983. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P6857.html.
BibTeX RIS

This publication is part of the RAND paper series. The paper series was a product of RAND from 1948 to 2003 that captured speeches, memorials, and derivative research, usually prepared on authors' own time and meant to be the scholarly or scientific contribution of individual authors to their professional fields. Papers were less formal than reports and did not require rigorous peer review.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.