A systematic review of evidence on psychometric properties of information literacy tests

What is it about?

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.

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