Setting standards on educational tests is extremely challenging. The psychometric literature is replete with methods and guidelines for setting standards on educational tests; however, little attention has been paid to the process of setting standards on computerized adaptive tests (CATs). This lack of attention is unfortunate because CATs are…

Standard setting, when carefully done, can be an expensive and time-consuming process. The modified Angoff method and the benchmark method, as utilized in this study, employ representative panels of judges to provide recommended passing scores to standard setting decision-makers. It has been considered preferable to have the judges meet in a…

Two experiments reproduced in a simulated computerized test-taking situation the effect of two of the main determinants in answering an item in a test: the difficulty of the item and the time available to answer it. A model is proposed for the time to respond or abandon an item and for the probability of abandoning it or answering it correctly. In…

Computerized adaptive testing allows us to create a unique personalized test that matches the ability and knowledge of the test taker. (Author)

The history of computer assisted language instruction is briefly reviewed, highlighting several major projects. Computer functions compatible with language instruction include information storage and retrieval capacities, ability to analyze input, and interactiveness. Language skills that can be developed by computer include grammar, vocabulary,…

Describes the modification of an already existing computer-assisted testing system at the University of Mississippi School of Health Related Professions to include test questions of the matching variety. (JJD)

Current scoring procedures depend on unrealistic assumptions about subjects' performance on the rod-and-frame test. A procedure is presented which corrects for constant error, is sensitive to response strategy and consistency, and examines qualitative and quantitative aspects of performance and individual differences in laterality bias as defined…

An interactive computer assisted testing program has been developed at California State University. Program options include test retrieval/printing, item bank editing, utilities, and test scoring. A bank of chemistry items (available from the University) is included in the program. (Author/JN)

The authors cite specific ways that the classroom computer can aid the teacher, by providing a wide variety of independent instruction for students and by cutting down the time required for recordkeeping, testing, and other administrative tasks. (Author/SJL)

A continuum of item-writing methods is proposed ranging from informal-subjective methods to algorithmic-objective methods. Examples of techniques include objective-based item writing, amplified objectives, item forms, facet design, domain-referenced concept testing, and computerized techniques. (Author/CP)

Examines the effectiveness of the computer component of a cost effective college course in economics. The main computer ingredients consisted of seven instructional lessons, three one-hour exams, a sophisticated record-keeping system, and note-writing capability. Tables are included. (Author/CHC)

This study explores some of the links between the physical education system and its socioeconomic environment. Suggestions are made for designing programs that attempt to accommodate needs at all levels of the system. (CJ)

A computer-administered (CA) form of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) (A. Tellegen, 1982) was created, and scores of 126 college students were compared to those of 101 who took a paper-and-pencil MPQ. Multivariate analyses found no group differences for the CA format, and likelihood of profile validity was decreased. Results…

Scoring accuracy and item functioning were studied for an open-ended response type test in which correct answers can take many different surface forms. Results with 1,864 graduate school applicants showed automated scoring to approximate the accuracy of multiple-choice scoring. Items functioned similarly to other item types being considered. (SLD)

The development of an online performance assessment instrument, the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, is reported. Issues addressed include development, implementation, and validation of the scoring rubric in an extended Rasch model, rater training, and implementation of the assessment in a computerized program. (SLD)