Some effects of using unidimensional item response theory (IRT) were examined when the assumption of unidimensionality was violated. Adaptive and nonadaptive tests were used. It appears that use of a unidimensional model can bias parameter estimation, adaptive item selection, and ability estimation for the two types of testing. (TJH)

General guidelines are developed to assist practitioners in devising operational computerized adaptive testing systems based on the graded response model. The effects of the following major variables were examined: item pool size; stepsize used along the trait continuum until maximum likelihood estimation could be calculated; and stopping rule…

Reviews current research developments in several areas of personnel selection methodology which represent attempts to develop alternatives to traditional paper-and-pencil methods of test development. Areas examined include computer-interactive tests in employment situation, new uses for life history information, physical tests for physically…

A computer analysis of the compositions written by university students with (N=30) and without (N-60) learning disabilities (LD) found LD students were not as fluent in word production and in the number of different words used but did produce longer sentences and T-units than nondisabled peers. (DB)

This simulation investigated two procedures that reduce differences between paper-and-pencil testing and computerized adaptive testing (CAT) by making CAT content sensitive. Results indicate that the price in terms of additional test items of using constrained CAT for content balancing is much smaller than that of using testlets. (SLD)

Performance characteristics are reviewed for seven computerized systems marketed for acoustic speech analysis: CSpeech, CSRE, ILS-PC, Kay Elemetrics model 550 Sona-Graph, MacSpeech Lab II, MSL, and Signalyze. Characteristics reviewed include system components, basic capabilities, documentation, user interface, data formats and journaling, and…

Examined equivalence of mode of administration of the Career Decision-Making System, comparing paper-and-pencil version and computer-based version. Findings from 61 undergraduate students indicated that the computer-based version was significantly more reliable than paper-and-pencil version and was generally equivalent in other respects.…

To elucidate differences between normal age-associated memory impairment (AAMI) and mild Alzheimer's disease (AD), batteries of traditional memory tasks and computer-simulated everyday memory tests were administered to 56 matched AAMI-AD pairs. Results demonstrate the feasibility of discriminating mild AD through these tests. (SLD)

A new procedure, the Letter Memory Test, was developed for evaluating adequacy of effort given during neuropsychological testing. It is a computer-administered forced-choice recognition task. In three studies involving nearly 400 patients and community volunteers, the test discriminated among poorly and highly motivated groups, and its internal…

Studied differences in pointing accuracy in computer-simulated mazes as a function of maze complexity and training effects. Results with 219 college students indicate that, although pointing accuracy remained higher for men, pointing performance can be modified by experience. (SLD)

Used simulations of computerized adaptive tests to evaluate results yielded by four commonly used ability estimation methods: maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and three Bayesian approaches. Results show clear distinctions between MLE and Bayesian methods. (SLD)

Contrasts "mental models" used by automated scoring for the simulation division of the computerized Architect Registration Examination with those used by experienced human graders for 3,613 candidate solutions. Discusses differences in the models used and the potential of automated scoring to enhance the validity evidence of scores. (SLD)

Discusses the use of multimedia in large-scale computer-based testing programs to measure problem solving and related cognitive constructs more effectively. Considers the incorporation of dynamic stimuli such as audio, video, and animation, and gives examples in history, physical education, and the sciences. (Author/LRW)

Dental hygiene students (n=15) took a first examination on computer then paper; 15 others took the paper test first. Computer test scores were higher than paper for the first exam. Student acceptance of the computer format was mixed. Computer exams reduced scoring and grade reporting time. (SK)

Proposes an algorithm that minimizes the asymptotic variance of the maximum-likelihood (ML) estimator of a linear combination of abilities of interest. The criterion results in a closed-form expression that is easy to evaluate. Also shows how the algorithm can be modified if the interest is in a test with a "simple ability structure."…