pretestn.adj.
/ˌpriːˈtɛst/, U.S. /ˈˌpriˈˌtɛst/ A. n.
A preliminary test or trial; (Psychology) a test to assess methods, questions, etc., intended for use in a future study (frequently attributive).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > psychology > developmental psychology > acquisition of knowledge > test of mental ability > act of testing > [noun] > prior test of materials
pretest1923
1923 School Rev. 31 556 Each lesson is a unit in itself; the learner may enter the book at any lesson which a pre-test would indicate to be suitable for him.
1928 F. N. Freeman et al. in G. M. Whipple Nature & Nurture ix. 116 (caption) Distributions of intelligence quotients for the pre-test group.
1949 C. I. Hovland et al. Exper. Mass Communication ii. 26 The purpose of the quantitative pretest was the advance determination of the approximate distribution of answers to each question and the relationship between questions.
1970 Jrnl. Gen. Psychol. 83 240 After the pretest, all rats were given Richter-type tests for 30 consecutive days.
1972 Jrnl. Social Psychol. 86 14 The first, a pretest phase, was used to select ‘high conformers’.
1996 Fort Collins-Laneland Parent Nov. 15/2 Often we begin with a pre-test to assess just how much a child knows about a subject.
B. adj.
Existing, taking place, or evaluated before a test; of or relating to a preliminary test or trial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > trial, test, or testing > [adjective] > existing before a test
pretest1960
the mind > mental capacity > psychology > developmental psychology > acquisition of knowledge > test of mental ability > act of testing > [adjective] > relating to a pretest
pretest1960
1960 Farmer & Stockbreeder 2 Feb. 76/1 The Board explains that daily gain on test has been introduced as a measurement of growth which is not complicated either by pre-test environment or the weekly slaughtering routine.
1990 Lancet 11 Aug. 347/2 A screening program in which a positive result carries such important implications must provide for pretest and posttest counselling.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
pretestv.
/ˌpriːˈtɛst/, U.S. /ˈˌpriˈˌtɛst/ transitive. To test beforehand; to carry out a preliminary test or trial of.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > trial, test, or testing > try or test [verb (transitive)] > in advance
pretest1926
the mind > mental capacity > psychology > developmental psychology > acquisition of knowledge > test of mental ability > act of testing > [verb (transitive)] > test beforehand
pretest1926
1926 Lancaster (Ohio) Daily Eagle 22 Sept. 8/1 (advt.) Fabrics that are pre-tested to insure long wear.
1934 German Q. 7 p. iv Materials pre-tested in classes of leading schools.
1977 Sci. Amer. (U.K. ed.) Apr. 25/1 The requirement does not apply to spherical tanks because they are built under conditions where the welds can be pretested for integrity.
2001 School Sci. Rev. Sept. 44/1 I began to pre-test or quiz pupils at the start of a module to get an overview of what they already knew.
Derivatives
preˈtested adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > trial, test, or testing > [adjective] > tried or tested > in advance
pretested1928
the mind > mental capacity > psychology > developmental psychology > acquisition of knowledge > test of mental ability > act of testing > [adjective] > relating to a pretest > tested in advance
pretested1928
1928 Decatur (Illinois) Herald 28 Aug. 14/6 (advt.) Extensive tests..coupled with the experience Frigidaire has gained..make the New Frigidaire truly a pre-tested automatic refrigerator.
2005 Internat. Business Rev. (Nexis) 14 521 The respondents and the researchers went through a pre-tested questionnaire together.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.adj.1923
v.1926