A systematic review of evidence on psychometric properties of information literacy tests. Issue 6 (5th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mahmood, Khalid
• Is Part Of: Library review. Volume 66:Issue 6/7(2017)
• Page Start: 442
• Page End: 455
• Publication Date: 2017-09-05
• Subjects: Reliability -- Psychometrics -- Information literacy -- Assessment -- Validity -- Scales; Libraries -- Periodicals; 020.5
• DOI: 10.1108/LR-02-2017-0015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0024-2535

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This paper aims to present the results of a systematic review of the evidence on psychometric properties of information literacy (IL) tests. Design/methodology/approach: A two-stage search strategy was used to find relevant studies in two subject and three general databases. A descriptive review of test characteristics and psychometric properties was presented. The review included 29 studies describing psychometric properties of 18 IL tests. Findings: It was found that the classical test theory was applied for all tests. However, the item response theory was also applied in three cases. Most of the psychometric tests were developed in the USA using ACRL IL competency standards. The most commonly used psychometric analyses include content validity, discriminant validity and internal consistency reliability. Research limitations/implications: Only studies in English language are included in this review. Practical implications: The study recommends that standards should be developed for the use and reporting of psychometric measures in designing IL tests. Librarians need to be trained in psychometric analysis of tests. Originality/value: It is the first study that systematically reviewed psychometric properties of IL tests. The findings are useful for librarians who are teaching IL courses.