A Methodology for Estimating Relative Cost-Benefits of Alternative Pretesting Procedures

摘要

The purpose of the research reported here was to develop a methodology for measuring the relative benefits of alternative pretesting procedures so that an optimal procedure may be selected. The research was accomplished as follows: Alternative pretest procedures were formulated. Variables that affect the amount of time saved or lost by employing pretests were identified and defined. Algebraic models which take into account measurement accuracy, pretesting time, and training time were constructed so that the amount of time saved (or lost) by pretesting could be estimated. A limited sample of empirical data was gathered and analyzed by applying these cost-benefit models. It was shown how these cost-benefit models can be employed to identify the best procedure in a specified set of competing procedures. (Author)