A procedural variable, the use of computers to score the students' assignments, is being studied as it affects performance on correspondence courses. The format used is known as CALS-Computer Assisted Lesson Service. Courses were converted to an objective type lesson format which the student responded to using an electronically read answer sheet.…

A 90-minute videotape demonstrates how to stage six stations simulating medical emergency problems to be solved by emergency medical technicians (EMT's) taking the National Registry's 150-question written final examination. The videotape also details the logistics of arranging the entire one-hour examination, used in over 30 States. (AJ)

Determines the relationship of sex, answer-changing incidence, and total score to net changes in total score resulting from changing answers, by examining the answer-changing behavior of graduate students responding to achievement test items. (Author/RC)

Presents research findings on several aspects of multiple-choice testing: (1) Effect of guessing; (2) Effect of changing the initial response; (3) Effect of item order alteration; (4) Optimum number of chores; (5) Position response set; and (6) Assessment of partial knowledge. (HM)

Describes a study of the accuracy of student responses on objective tests. Investigators examined the frequency of correctness on initial responses versus changed responses, and the relationship to degree of familiarity of the content. Results show that changing test answers tends to produce more right than wrong answers by more students.…

Cognitive learning and cognitive measures are defined and various types of objective measures of cognitive learning are discussed and compared, including short answer test items, true-false items, multiple choice items, matching items, and written simulations. (MSE)

Assessment is one of the most important part of educational process that directs teaching, learning as well as curriculum development. However, widely used classical assessment techniques such as multiple choice tests are not adequate to provide neither a correct picture of students' performances nor the effectiveness of the teaching process.…

Whether performance assessments can be claimed to be more inclusive than traditional assessments was studied in an investigation of whether a student's perceptions of control can be detected in a performance assessment score. It was hypothesized that students' perceptions of control would show no effect on their scores on an objective test of…

Extraversion-introversion was found to interact with sex and item type, thus necessitating separate conclusions for boys and girls, these in turn being qualified by item type. (Authors)

Argues that all instructors, regardless of field, share responsibility for improving students' writing skills. Advocates (1) establishing academic objectives for all students to meet by the end of their college career, (2) requiring essays and papers, rather than objective tests, and (3) requiring effective writing in every course. (DD)

The effect on examinee performance of the rule that multiple-choice (MC) test items require the acceptance of 1 choice was examined for 106 dental students presented with choices in MC and multiple true-false formats. MC items force examinees to select one choice, which causes artificial acceptance of correct/incorrect choices. (SLD)

Examines the information handling ability of the personal computer. Shows how the personal computer can link three learning techniques into a coherent learning strategy appropriate for undergraduate college students. Argues that the personal computer is a powerful tool that can make students' efforts more productive. (RS)

Describes how one instructor developed a biology questionnaire designed to get students interacting and thinking about biology course content on the first day of class. Discusses why student interest is captured, how the questions are made, and how the questionnaire results are used in class. Contains a 15-question true/false questionnaire. (LZ)