Newly registered nurses' emergency response capability falls short of their employers' expectations. Therefore, they need to develop this ability to cope with various changes in the clinic. Unfortunately, traditional learning has not been good enough in cultivating nursing skills and fostering self-directed learning which plays a key role in the…

Some effects of using unidimensional item response theory (IRT) were examined when the assumption of unidimensionality was violated. Adaptive and nonadaptive tests were used. It appears that use of a unidimensional model can bias parameter estimation, adaptive item selection, and ability estimation for the two types of testing. (TJH)

The effectiveness of two iterative methods of item response theory (IRT) item bias detection was examined in a simulation study. A modified form of the iterative item parameter linking method of F. Drasgow and an adaptation of the test purification procedure of F. M. Lord were compared. (SLD)

F. M. Lord's flexilevel, computerized adaptive testing (CAT) procedure was compared to an item-response theory-based CAT procedure that uses Bayesian ability estimation with various standard errors of estimates used for terminating the test. Ability estimates of flexilevel CATs were as accurate as were those of Bayesian CATs. (TJH)

Outlines the development of a computer-based means of assessment and training for motorized wheelchair users. Programs designed to run on a BBC microcomputer that allow the ability of a severely handicapped person to be tested are explained; a joystick-controlled wheelchair simulation is described, and its use with children highlighted.…