Two distinct approaches, one based on item response theory and the other based on observed item responses and standard summary statistics, have been proposed to identify unusual response patterns. A link between these two approaches is provided by showing certain correspondences between Sato's S-P Curve Theory and item response theory. This link…

A specific application of the process of automating exams for any introductory statistics course is described. The process of automating exams was accomplished by using the Statistical Test Item Collection System (STICS). This system was first used to select a set of questions based on course requirements established in advance; afterward, STICS…

The study assessed the efficiency of and teacher satisfaction with collection of student performance data by computers. The 20 special education teachers spent less time in measurement and evaluation and were more satisfied when data were collected by computers. However, students spent more time in measurement with computer data collection.…

The predictability of individual differences in the ability to reason about dynamic displays from tests using static displays was studied in 170 adults given paper-and-pencil and computer controlled tests. Several multivariate analyses indicated that the ability to reason about dynamic motion was distinct from the ability to reason about static…

The runs test for random sequences of responding is proposed for application in long inventories with dichotomous items as an index of sterotyped responding. This index is useful for detecting whether the client shifts between response alternatives more or less frequently than would be expected by chance. (LMO)

Addresses human rights and ethical issues that emerge from the use of advanced technology in counseling and development, specifically addressing access, learning, computerized assessment, counseling and testing, and the role of the counselor.

The microcomputer version of the Ohio Vocational Interest Survey (OVIS II) differs from the machine-scored version in its ability to incorporate data from the OVIS II:Career Planner in its printed report. It differs from the hand-scored version in its ability to include data from the OVIS II:Work Characteristic Analysis in its printed report.…

Outlines a sequence used to prepare and to administer examinations by computer. The sequence, based on programs described in an earlier issue of "The Physiologist," is presented under four headings: preliminary steps; taking the quiz; grading the quiz; and flexible options. Information on obtaining the programs is included. (JN)

Compared the impact of computer-assisted psychological assessment on respondents to traditional psychometric administration procedure. Findings indicated no difference between administration methods on respondents' self-reported anxiety, electromyograph monitored stress, or task satisfaction. Moreover, computer-assisted assessment was more…

Two college of education experts present a system which trains university students to administer and interpret standardized tests such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R), thus easing time demands upon their instructors. (JN)

Suggestions for software design in computer managed testing (CMT) cover instructions to testees, their physical format, provision of practice items, and time limit information; test item presentation, physical format, discussion of task demands, review capabilities, and rate of presentation; pedagogically helpful utilities; typefonts; vocabulary;…

This article describes some of the programming improvements made to a computer-based instructional support system after it was operating as had been envisioned during its design. Changes were made to accommodate differences between the original objectives and what users discovered they really wished to do. (Author/BD)

Imposing time limits on tests can serve a range of important functions. Time limits are essential, for example, if speed of performance is an integral component of what is being measured, as would be the case when testing such skills as how quickly someone can type. Limiting testing time also helps contain expenses associated with test…

Test security has often been a problem in computerized adaptive testing (CAT) because the traditional wisdom of item selection overly exposes high discrimination items. The a-stratified (STR) design advocated by H. Chang and his collaborators, which uses items of less discrimination in earlier stages of testing, has been shown to be very…

In the a-stratified method, a popular and efficient item exposure control strategy proposed by H. Chang (H. Chang and Z. Ying, 1999; K. Hau and H. Chang, 2001) for computerized adaptive testing (CAT), the item pool and item selection process has usually been divided into four strata and the corresponding four stages. In a series of simulation…