COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS AND PSYCHOMETRIC VALIDATION OF THE UNT BIOLOGY TEST: TOWARDS INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS (THE CASE OF AQA A-LEVEL)

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study evaluating the quality of the Unified National Testing (UNT) in Biology in Kazakhstan. The aim of the study is to evaluate the psychometric qualities and substantive validity of the UNT biology test based on empirical data from 2025, using an integrated approach that includes psychometric analysis based on the Rasch model and external meaningful benchmarking with an internationally recognized standard (AQA A-Level Biology). Based on 2025 data, a psychometric analysis was conducted using the Rasch model, alongside a content benchmarking against the British AQA A-Level Biology curriculum. The comparison focused on the distribution of cognitive levels (Bloom's Taxonomy), Assessment Objectives (AOs), and the degree of integration of mathematical skills. The results confirmed satisfactory psychometric characteristics for most UNT items. However, a structural imbalance was identified: 59,1% of the test consists of lower-order thinking skills (AO1 – recall), while application and analysis skills (AO2/AO3) are underrepresented. Furthermore, the study noted fragmented coverage of contemporary topics, such as genetic technologies. Based on the findings, practical recommendations for modernizing the UNT format are formulated. The authors propose increasing the proportion of higher-order thinking tasks, implementing a mandatory mathematical component, and strengthening mechanisms for expert-academic validation. These measures aim to enhance the exam's diagnostic value and ensure its alignment with international educational standards, which is critical for the qualitative selection of university applicants.

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