Many large-scale testing programs routinely pretest new items alongside operational (or scored) items to determine their empirical characteristics. If these pretest items pass certain statistical criteria, they are placed into an operational item pool; otherwise they are edited and re-pretested or simply discarded. In these situations, reliable…

A constrained computerized adaptive testing (CAT) algorithm is presented that automatically equates the number-correct scores on adaptive tests. The algorithm can be used to equate number-correct scores across different administrations of the same adaptive test as well as to an external reference test. The constraints are derived from a set of…

This article describes how one commercially available system, the Classroom Teacher Support System (CTSS), has been adapted to an individualized nursing program for computer assisted testing. (RAO)

A professor of physical chemistry sees a sharp decline in math competence among his students and feels the reason is poor testing. How this can be changed is outlined, including a proposal to examine by computer. (Author/MSE)

Tailored testing by Cliff's method of implied orders was simulated through the use of responses gathered during conventional administration of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale. Tailoring eliminated approximately half the responses with only modest decreases in score reliability. (Author/BW)

The effectiveness of various tailored testing strategies for use in objective based instructional programs was investigated. The three factors of a tailored testing strategy under study with various hypothetical distributions of abilities across two learning hierarchies were test length, mastery cutting score, and starting point. (Author/JKS)

A program designed to administer questionnaires on IBM and IBM-compatible personal computers is described. The program prompts subjects to indicate responses by clicking on a graphic line segment or entering a numeric value. The program enhances accuracy in estimating moderating effects by overcoming transcriptional errors and scale coarseness.…

A simulation study explored the effect of population distribution on maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and expected a posteriori (EAP) estimation in computerized adaptive testing based on the rating scale model of D. Andrich (1978). The choice between EAP and MLE for particular situations is discussed. (SLD)

The authors of the "Guidelines," a task force of eight, intend to present an organized list of features to be considered in reporting or evaluating computerized-adaptive assessments. Apart from a few weaknesses, the book is a useful and complete document that will be very helpful to test developers. (SLD)

Basic procedures for performing computerized adaptive testing based on the successive intervals (SI) Rasch model were evaluated. The SI model was applied to simulated and real attitude data sets. Item pools as small as 30 items performed well, and the model appeared practical for Likert-type data. (SLD)

Examined whether providing item review on a computerized adaptive test could be used by examinees to inflate their scores. Two studies involving 139 undergraduates suggest that examinees are not highly proficient at discriminating item difficulty. A simulation study showed the usefulness of a strategy identified by G. Kingsbury (1996) as a way to…

Presents a system of classification for describing computer-based assessment techniques based on the level of action and educational activity they offer. Illustrates 10 computer-based assessment techniques and discusses their educational value. Contains 14 references. (Author)

Studied effects of administration mode [computer adaptive test (CAT) versus self-adaptive test (SAT)], item-by-item answer feedback, and test anxiety on results from computerized vocabulary tests taken by 293 college students. CATs were more reliable than SATs, and administration time was less when feedback was provided. (SLD)

Addresses issues surrounding the effect of mode of presentation on second language (L2) reading test performance, reviewing the literature in cognitive ability testing in educational and psychological measurement and the non-assessment literature in ergonomics, education, psychology, and first language reading research. Generalization of the…

With increasing emphasis on accurate assessment and accountability, computer-based testing and simulation may signify the future for teachers wishing to keep current on technology in the classroom. If career and technical education is to use new testing technology, features such as authentic assessment and criterion-based testing must be…