The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) has been planned as an ongoing program of assessment. The first cycle of the assessment has involved two "rounds." The first round, which is covered by this report, took place over the period of January 2008-October 2013. The main features of the first cycle of…

Discusses microcomputer-based test types that can measure learning of classroom content: (1) objective examination, (2) hands-on examination, (3) power examination, and (4) take-home examination. Recommends that a combination of power, objective, and take-home examinations achieves representative results with a minimum loss of class time. (CH)

Computer programs have been developed to make Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III) diagnoses. Programs contain features that help to structure and shorten user interaction with the program, including screening questions and incorporation of DSM-III's decision trees for differential diagnosis. Discusses…

Presents overview of Item Response Theory (IRT). Explores substantial advantages of IRT in both ability and attitude measurements. Describes and illustrates basic IRT models. Discusses instrument construction and computerized testing. (Author/BHK)

Explains Subkoviak's method for estimating alternate-form reliability from one administration of a criterion-referenced test and describes computer program that handles tests for large number of examinees and allows application of Subkoviak's technique. Concludes that program is superior to other methods since user can directly check…

Although some types of inferences are mandatory for readers, predictive inferences (inferences for what will happen next) are generally considered elaborative or optional. Three experiments measuring probe word lexical decision latencies produced evidence for the online generation of predictive inferences during narrative text comprehension.…

The author suggests that trainers charged with converting to computer-based training begin with a pilot program. He covers potential problems and how to address them. (CH)

Ethical considerations in use of computers in psychological testing and assessment are discussed. Existing ethics and standards that provide guidance to users of computerized test interpretation and report-writing programs are discussed and guidelines are suggested. Areas of appropriate use of computers in testing and assessment are explored.…

Three ethical-legal case incidents involving computer-assisted psychodiagnostic assessment in the schools are presented. Each case is analyzed in terms of applicable laws, ethical codes, and standards for professional practice. (Author)

Presents a rationale for the use of local norms and a procedure, illustrated with an example, for updating a norm group's test score mean and variance. Local norms can be more recent, relevant, and representative for local groups. (Author)

Explains computerized adaptive testing (CAT) and its basis in item response theory. Describes a CAT program in pharmacology. (SK)

Reviews literature on major issues pertaining to computer use in counseling and, based on these issues, makes suggestions as to how the computer can be used to strengthen the counseling profession. Ten issues are examined and responses are given which address each issue. (NB)

The Internet has significantly changed the way people conduct business, communicate, and live. In this article, the authors' focus is on how the Internet influences the practice of psychology as it relates to testing and assessment. The report includes 5 broad sections: background and context, new problems yet old issues, issues for special…

Explains the conceptual background and potential use of the Self-Directed Search (SDS): Computer Version (CV), and discusses its relationship with the paper version. Operations, reports, technical aspects, and distinguishing characteristics of the SDS:CV are described. The SDS Main Menu is appended. (Author/NB)

Investigated model for reducing time for administration of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) using real-data simulation of Bayesian scaling in computerized adaptive administration. Findings from simulation study using data from 127 undergraduates are strongly supportive of use of Bayesian scaled computerized adaptive administration of MBTI.…