Describes a study of undergraduates in the United Kingdom that investigated the relationship between computer anxiety and self-ratings of mood change. Mood was measured either by a computerized form of visual analog mood scales (VAMS) or by a paper-and-pencil test, the Velten Mood Induction Procedure and the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale was also…

Examined user reaction to computer-administered and paper-and-pencil-administered forms of the Strong Interest Inventory. Results indicate that user reactions to the two administration modes were reasonably similar in most areas. However, the computer group indicated more often that their version was easier to use and follow. (RJM)

Research on automated scoring is extended by comparing alternative automated systems for scoring a computer simulation of physicians' patient management skills. A regression-based system is more highly correlated with experts' evaluations than a system that uses complex rules to map performances into score levels, but both approaches are feasible.…

Studied the effects of variations in screen size, resolution, and presentation delay on verbal and mathematics scores on a computerized test for 357 high school juniors. No significant differences were found for mathematics scores, but verbal scores were higher with the larger resolution display. (SLD)

This Swedish study sought to evaluate a touch-screen computer-based (CB) test administration system in a hospital setting in comparison with paper-and-pencil administrative routine. Patients were given psychometric tests (involving depression, mood, and intelligence measurement) in both formats. Patient pleasantness, activation, and calmness were…

The example of a medical licensure test is used to demonstrate situations in which complex, integrated content must be balanced at the total test level for validity reasons, but items assigned to reportable subscore categories may be used under a multidimensional item response theory adaptive paradigm to improve subscore reliability. (SLD)

Considers equity issues of highstakes tests conducted by computer, including whether this new form of assessment actually helps level the playing field for students or represents a new cycle of assessment inequality. Two computer tests are assessed: Praxis I: Academic Skills Assessment; and the computerized version of the Graduate Record…

Four computer-animated tasks were created to analyze the underlying structure of emerging phonological awareness at 3.5 years of age and to explore factors that influence children's (n=91) performance. The children were able to master tasks demanding identification, blending, and continuation of phonological units. Analysis supported two major…

Provides a personal view of the history of Anglo-American language testing over the last half-century. Argues that major developments in the field have tended to be embraced too enthusiastically so that they have led to unbalanced views concerning the construct definition of language, the scope of test impact, and the value of new methods of test…

The study found that use of the computerized Classroom Assistant Networking System to monitor and score student responses in an elementary special education resource room substantially decreased teacher time spent on record keeping. Addition of an electronic gradebook, however, did not increase efficiency over a conventional gradebook in this…

A polychotomous nominal response model-based computerized adaptive test (CAT) was simulated using data from 1,093 University of Texas students. The ability estimation of this model and its overall performance were compared with those of a dichotomous three-parameter logistic model-based CAT. Advantages and drawbacks of nominal response CAT are…

Three major pragmatic issues in computerized testing are addressed: (1) encouraging teacher use; (2) reporting of information; and (3) test construction. Reference is made to four related articles. Additional areas for research include reporting of test information; item bank standards; validity; and rules for stopping in computerized testing.…

The study investigated the degree to which a highly motivating computer game learning task could improve the differential diagnosis of adolescent students (N=23) with learning disabilities. Results suggest that a large proportion of students diagnosed as learning disabled are able to learn effectively when highly motivated. (Author/DB)

MicroCAT version 3.0--an integrated test development, administration, and analysis system--is reviewed in this first article of a series on testing software. A framework for comparing testing software is presented. The strength of this package lies in the development, banking, and administration of items composed of text and graphics. (SLD)

Research with 38 undergraduates studied a technique for assessing conformity on a ratio scale and variables used to analyze normative and information factors. Computer presentation of the statistics and storage of responses allows assessment of discrepancies between actual line length and length of the reproductions made with/without peer…