In Chapter 5, we examined a four-phase model, involving a series of tasks that we would conduct to develop, select, and validate assessments tied to particular decision-making contexts (User Paths). The process model stipulates a cyclic process, involving planning (Phases I-II), the work of actually designing and/or selecting the assessment tools (Phase III), content validation of the tools we generate (Phase IVA), and empirical validation of the same (Phase IVB). Two products are generated in the course of the process are the:

• assessment specifications (in Phases I-II); and
  
• the assessment tools, linked to the assessment specifications (in Phase III).
  

The assessment tools usually undergo revisions following validation (in Phase IV), until a level of quality is obtained that meets the demands of the decision-making context. Then the tool is ready for use.

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