Tailored testing increases the efficiency of tests by individually selecting for each person a set of items from an item pool so that the difficulty of the items selected will be such as to maximize the information provided by the score. The tailored testing procedure designed by Cliff orders persons and items on a common ordinal scale and…

Describes a study which investigated the feasibility of interactive computer assisted testing (ICAT) as an effective instructional method and its effects on attitudes towards computer assisted instruction (CAI). (VT)

The auditory receptive language skills of 40 learning disabled (LD) and 40 non-disabled boys (all 7 - 11 years old) were assessed via computerized versions of subtests of the Goldman-Fristoe-Woodcock Auditory Skills Test Battery. The computerized assessment correctly identified 92.5% of the LD group and 65% of the normal control children. (DB)

Issues associated with incorporation of computerized test development and administration into licensure of health professionals are discussed. Specific issues covered include reporting of test procedures and results, computerized test administration, open-book testing, and the impact of regulation. (TJH)

Describes measurement problems associated with computer based testing (CBT) programs when they are part of a computer assisted instruction curriculum. Topics discussed include CBT standards; selection of item types; the contamination of items that arise from test design strategies; and the non-equivalence of comparison groups in item analyses. (8…

Explains how microcomputer-based test generation systems work and how to select and use such a system. Discusses several available programs, recommending the Harpertest and Micro-Pac systems for ease of use and versatility. Describes the benefits and limitations of microcomputer test generation systems. (GEA)

The paper details advantages of microcomputer-based assessment with moderately and severely handicapped individuals over conventional print instruments. Noted advantages include improved accuracy, less time-consuming, greater flexibility, and the potential for information database development and regional systematic programing. One such…

This study investigated the effects of past computer experience on the computerized aptitude test performance of college students. Subjects were 92 undergraduates who completed an arithmetic reasoning test by computer and a Computer Experience Questionnaire. Past computer experience did account for a significant amount of variance on the…

School psychologists and education students and faculty were asked to distinguish between computer-generated and individually written psychological test comments and indicate cues used in making identifications. Even though results indicate correct identification did not differ significantly from chance, school assessment reports must provide more…

TESTOR is a computer-assisted testing system that provides student evaluation while simultaneously managing all records associated with a program of individualized instruction. Use of TESTOR in a general biology program, at the University of Missouri, is described. (JN)

The computer assisted testing (CAT) program at Florida State University's Assessment Resource Center is described. Three measurement issues (test quality, confidence in mastery decisions, and maintenance of test validity) and two instructional design issues (quality of instructional objectives and extended feedback following testing) important for…

Documentation and complete listing are provided for an Apple computer program designed to assist students in reviewing biology course content. All questions and answers are contained in data statements which are read into two separate question/answer arrays. (JN)

The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the current changes in test development that are taking place because of the availability and capabilities of computers, especially microcomputers. Item banking and test assembly are discussed, and a comprehensive testing system is described. (BW)

Approaches proposed for educational diagnostic assessment are reviewed and identified as deficit assessment and error analysis. The development of diagnostic instruments may require a reexamination of existing psychometric models and development of alternative ones. The psychometric and content demands of diagnostic assessment all but require test…

Presented are abstracts of five papers on teaching materials/methods presented at the 35th annual meeting of the American Physiological Society. Topic areas include expert system used as a teacher/consultant in hemostasis problems, computer assisted testing, and excitation/conduction properties of membranes as illustrated by the compound action…