Test items, all referencing the same instructional objective, are not equally difficult. This investigation attempts to identify some of the determinants of item difficulty within the context of a first course in educational statistics. Computer generated variations of items were used to provide the data. The results were used to investigate the…

A system of computer programs designed to control the administration of adaptive ability tests was developed and used for over 2500 hours of ability measurement. The system is capable of administering any combination of two kinds of tests to a given individual without interruption. Each test can be based on one of six different testing strategies…

Undergraduate students took a multiple choice, computer assisted test and received feedback (items with the correct answers identified) either: (1) immediately, item-by-item; (2) following the entire test; (3) 24 hours later; or (4) no feedback. Retention one to three weeks later was significantly better for delayed feedback, and confidence…

This study compared 38 Hispanic and 28 Anglo college students with respect to the amount of time allocated to items on a reasoning test administered by microcomputer. Results suggested that a time constraint may penalize Hispanic examinees. The applicability of computerized testing for studying test-taking strategy problems is illustrated.…

Presents the preliminary results of a comparison of Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) and conventional testing of English competency for students with limited English proficiency. The CAT procedure, which uses computers and a measurement theory known as Item Response Theory (IRT), provides several benefits that traditional paper and pencil…

Assesses the measurement qualities of a computer-managed test of children's reading vocabulary, and the resultant representational patterns of vocabulary knowledge. Describes the test's administration, and its high reliability. Reveals that it shows that children of all ability levels know a range of very common to very rare words. (SKC)

Describes a strategy for using computer technology to save time when checking the data and calculations of students. Provides information regarding software and hardware used. (YP)

Discussion of need for improved mathematics education of preservice teachers focuses on a model program, the Mathematics Fitness Project, that includes a computer-generated testing system, management system, and remediation system. Use of the system to improve mathematics skills and attitudes of college students and post high school adults is…

Describes study of 315 secondary school students that investigated their reactions to computerized testing and assessed the practicability of this testing method in the classroom. Two versions of a standardized aptitude test battery used are described, one computerized and one printed, and a survey assessing students' reactions is discussed. (9…

A survey of 268 school psychologists was conducted to explore the nature and extent of ethical-legal problems associated with computer applications in school psychology. One third reported existing problems; 65 percent anticipated potential problems in test interpretation; and 62 percent anticipated problems with record-keeping. Suggestions for…

Reviews seven commercially produced test generator programs appropriate for use by classroom teachers or individual instructors and identifies item construction and test formatting features that facilitate test design and delivery. Test generator programs and their manufacturers are listed. (MBR)

The potential value of developing item banks that would both guarantee the quality of teacher-made examinations and allow for national comparison of student achievement is described. Use of Rasch model methods, rather than classical item analysis techniques, to calibrate the items for these banks is illustrated. (BS)

There are economic advantages in using microcomputers as automated testing stations for measuring aptitude and intelligence. Microcomputers also make it possible to expand and modify testing procedures for psychological functions included in conventional tests and to test psychological functions not generally assessed by conventional tests, such…

Concludes that the Multi-Digit Test stimulates better retention than multiple choice tests while offering the advantage of computerized scoring and analysis. (FL)

This paper discusses the rationale for enhancing the current National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) design by adding a capacity for adaptive testing. Items are tailored to the achievement level of the student in adaptive testing. The report describes a 1993 Ohio field trail of two-stage assessment carried out by the National Opinion…