Argues that guidelines for evaluating computer applications within psychology are not having sufficient impact on professional practices because a gap exists between information available to users and information needed to make informed decisions. Surveys of software vendors and practicing psychologists are described to support this view and…

Six papers on the use of partial credit item response theory score models in applied measurement settings are presented. These applications include the scoring of medical certification examinations using computer-based patient simulations, narrative writing tests, and educational diagnosis. (TJH)

Reports a study of the administration mode, scores, and testing experiences of students taking the PreProfessional Skills Test (PPST) under differing conditions (computer based and paper and pencil). PPST scores and surveys of the students revealed varied test-taking strategies and computer-related alterations in test difficulty, construct,…

No significant differences in performance on a self-adapted test or anxiety were found for college students (n=218) taking a self-adapted test who selected item difficulty without any prior information, inspected an item before selecting, or answered a typical item and received performance feedback. (SLD)

Discussion of expert systems and computerized adaptive tests describes two versions of EXSPRT, a new approach that combines uncertain inference in expert systems with sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) stopping rules. Results of two studies comparing EXSPRT to adaptive mastery testing based on item response theory and SPRT approaches are…

A study involving 1,000 simulated examinees compared the partial credit and graded response models in computerized adaptive testing (CAT). The graded response model fit the data well and provided slightly more accurate ability estimates than those of the partial credit model. Benefits of polytomous model-based CATs are discussed. (SLD)

A model integrating latent trait and latent class theories in characterizing individual performance on the basis of qualitative understanding is presented. This HYBRID model is illustrated through experiments with 119 Air Force technicians taking a paper-and-pencil test and 136 Air Force technicians taking a computerized test. (SLD)

Incidents affecting the implementation of large-scale testing programs are described to illustrate associated problems. Issues addressed include creation of test materials, preparation of answer documents, transportation of test materials, scoring and analysis of tests, and dissemination and utilization of test results. (TJH)

Using one simulated and two real data sets, the effects of the systematic variation of the item-selection procedure and the stepsize method on the operating characteristics of computerized adaptive testing (CAT) for instruments with polychotomously scored rating scale items were studied. The six rating scale CAT procedures used performed well.…

Implemented computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to measure students' attitudes toward alcohol. Administered a paper-and-pencil version and a CAT version of an attitudes toward alcohol scale to 113 undergraduates enrolled in health education classes. Findings showed a high correlation between scores from the CAT and the paper-and-pencil versions.…

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to explore relationships among existing item types and three new computer-administered item types for the analytical scale of the Graduate Record Examination General Test. Results with 349 students indicate constructs the item types are measuring. (SLD)

The effect that mode of administration, computer versus paper and pencil, had on the performance of 120 middle school students on multiple choice and written test questions was studied. Results show that, for students accustomed to writing on computers, responses written on the computer were more successful. Implications for testing are discussed.…

Compared easy and difficult versions of self-adapted tests (SAT) and computerized adapted tests. No significant differences were found among the tests for estimated ability or posttest state anxiety in studies with 187 Spanish high school students, although other significant differences were found. Discusses implications for interpreting test…

Reviews the development and use of mass testing procedures for evaluating large groups of relatively homogeneous individuals and suggests computer adaptive testing as an alternative to conventional testing. Highlights include the evaluation of public education and higher education; needs assessment; summative evaluation; adaptive testing; and…

Developed a computerized adaptive language proficiency test for a community college in Quebec, Canada and obtained item response theory calibrations on the items from 700 to 800 administrations. Describes projected efforts to detect instances in which "cheating low" (answering incorrectly deliberately) occurs. (SLD)