A unique system is described for creating tests by computer. It is unique because, instead of storing items in the computer, item algorithms similar to Hively's notion of item forms are banked. Every item, and thus every test, represents a sample from domains consisting of thousands of items. The paper contains a discussion of the special…

Identifies a number of practical decisions that must be made when designing and developing criterion referenced tests as part of a larger system of computer assisted instruction. The topics discussed include test construction, test security, item presentation, and response capturing and scoring. (19 references) (CLB)

This discussion of computer-assisted repeatable tests, which are frequently used to evaluate and monitor students' acquisition of knowledge in mastery learning situations, cites and describes a number of specific examples of systems for creating both online and batch tests. A reference list is provided. (JJD)

When criterion-referenced tests are used to assign examinees to states reflecting their performance level on a test, the better known methods for determining test length, which consider relationships among domain scores and errors of measurement, have their limitations. The purpose of this paper is to present a computer system named TESTLEN, which…

Describes a Scottish project--"School-based assessment using item banking"--investigating the feasibility of producing computer-based test marking and reporting facilities. Teachers would construct their own tests from item banks and carry out diagnostic assessment and criterion-referenced measurement to evaluate students with SCRIBE, a…

Describes the purpose, construction, use, maintenance, and improvement of a basic physics examination file by the U.S. Air Force Academy. Includes nine sample objectives, two multiple-choice items, and an example of computer item analysis. (SK)

The feasibility of creating an item bank from a teacher-made test was examined in two comparable sections of a graduate-level introductory measurement course. The 67-item midterm examination contained multiple-choice and master matching items, which required higher level cognitive processes such as application and analysis. The feasibility of…

Describes design of an item bank for use with lower ability mathematics students in Scottish secondary schools. Aspects of bank usage discussed include raw score translation to measures on validated scales, test design for various purposes, and ways of recording and analyzing results. Test examples with corresponding outputs are given. (Author/MBR)

The following steps have been taken to accomplish the goals of the Wisconsin Pupil Assessment Program: the development of objective-referenced tests; the administration of a standardized norm-referenced test; reporting of trends in performance on these tests; and the availability of two testing services and personnel for consultation purposes.…

Criterion-referenced testing (CRT) is defined as a method of ascertaining an individual's status with respect to some performance standard. Computer-assisted testing (CAT) is a method of constructing tests using a variety of computer techniques such as a single test computer printouts, stored item banks, teacher specified criteria, machine…

This report describes the development, operation, maintenance, and future prospects of the item banks pioneered by the Portland (Oregon) School District. At the time of this report, there were 3,500 mathematics, 2,200 reading, and 2,300 language usage items calibrated under the fixed parameter model of item response theory (IRT) for Grades 3-8.…

The sequential probability ratio test (SPRT), developed by Abraham Wald, is one statistical model available for making mastery decisions during computer-based criterion referenced tests. The predictive validity of the SPRT was empirically investigated with two different and relatively large item pools with heterogeneous item parameters. Graduate…