Measure of Intellectual
Development (MID):
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much
does to cost to have the essays rated?
$3 per rater
per essay; for double-rated samples and reconciled ratings, the cost would
be $6 per essay
How long
does it take to get the essays rated?
Depends
on the size of the sample, how many other rating projects are in process,
and how many other things are going on, but generally no more than 2-4 weeks
What
kind of scoring summary will I receive?
A table
of ratings for all students, an interpretive summary, and an overview of
the major cues cited in the sample. Additional information can be provided
on request.
How do
I administer the essays?
First obtain
a master copy of the MID cover sheet and the essay prompt or prompts you
intend to use (A, AP, Q). With prior permission, you may modify or delete
the demographic information requested on the cover sheet, but the instructions
paragraph needs to be retained. Make as many copies as you need and distribute
them to each respondent, with verbal instructions reinforcing the cover sheet
guidelines about taking the task seriously and responding thoughtfully.
How much time does it usually take for students to complete the essays?
Generally
30-45 minutes.
How long
should the essays be to generate a rating?
1-2 pages
is fine--any more than that and respondents are usually repeating themselves!
Even a 1-paragraph essay can be rated if the response addresses the key elements
of the essay prompt; the main consideration is whether or the essay reflects
a thoughtful, on-task response.
Do the
essays have to be written in class?
No, they
can be assigned on a take-home basis or in non-classroom settings; the main
issue is providing some means of assuring a high rate of quality responses.
Can the
essays be handwritten?
Yes, as
long as the copies provided for rating purposes are legible (i.e., pen is
much better than pencil in most cases).