The purpose of this study was to develop a diagnostic test in basic mathematics appropriate for underprepared students. The objectives of the Basic Mathematics Diagnostic Instrument (BMDI) were designed to meet the needs of both basic mathematics instructors and the students who have been identified as needing remediation in basic mathematics. Although the students probably have been identified as having overall deficiencies, the BMDIneeded to produce information which determined specific strengths and weaknesses of each individual in basic mathematics. / Ph. D.