The rationale behind the method of estimating the operating characteristics of discrete item responses when the test information of the Old Test is not constant was presented previously. In the present study, two subtests of the Old Test, i.e. Subtests 1, and 2, each of which has a different non-constant test information function, are used in…

Discusses microcomputer-based test types that can measure learning of classroom content: (1) objective examination, (2) hands-on examination, (3) power examination, and (4) take-home examination. Recommends that a combination of power, objective, and take-home examinations achieves representative results with a minimum loss of class time. (CH)

Examined the effects of model misspecification on the precision of decisions made using the sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) in computer testing. Simulation results show that the one-parameter logistic model produced more errors than the true model. (SLD)

Presents a variation of a "greedy" algorithm that can be used in test-assembly problems. The algorithm, the normalized weighted absolute-deviation heuristic, selects items to have a locally optimal fit to a moving set of average criterion values. Demonstrates application of the model. (SLD)

Addresses the potential benefits of using sound in computerized assessments. Describes some current computer uses of the audio channel of communication and outlines a proposed audio computer-based testing framework. Provides some examples of operational and experimental audio tests and reviews some research cautions and recommendations. (SLD)

Reading comprehension is a multidimensional process and a key component of this process is the activation of prior knowledge in the comprehension of text. This study utilized video clips as a means to anchor instruction and assist struggling middle-level readers in comprehending text. Participants in this study were 17 seventh- and eighth-grade…

This paper reports a study aimed at revealing special-educational-needs pupils' learning potential by means of an ICT-based assessment including a dynamic visual tool that might help pupils when solving mathematics problems. The study focused on subtraction problems up to 100, which require "borrowing". These problems, in which the value…

"Educational Measurement" has been the bible in its field since the first edition was published by ACE in 1951. The importance of this fourth edition of "Educational Measurement" is to extensively update and extend the topics treated in the previous three editions. As such, the fourth edition documents progress in the field and…

Examinee response times from a computerized adaptive test taken by 204 examinees taking a certification examination were analyzed using a hierarchical linear model. Two equations were posed: a within-person model and a between-person model. Variance within persons was eight times greater than variance between persons. Several variables…

There is a considerable interest at Educational Testing Service (ETS) to include performance-based, natural language constructed-response items on standardized tests. Such items can be developed, but the projected time and costs required to have these items scored by human graders would be prohibitive. In order for ETS to include these types of…

This paper reports on existing studies and uses meta analysis to compare and synthesize the results of 20 studies from 8 research reports comparing the ability measure equivalence of computer adaptive tests (CAT) and conventional paper and pencil tests. Using the research synthesis techniques developed by Hedges and Olkin (1985), it is possible to…

Two studies investigated the comparability of scores from paper-and-pencil and computer-administered versions of the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) General Examinations in mathematics and English composition. The first study used a prototype computer-administered version on each examination for 94 students for mathematics and 116 for…

The robustness of a partial credit (PC) model-based computerized adaptive test's (CAT's) ability estimation to items that did not fit the PC model was investigated. A CAT program was written based on the PC model. The program used maximum likelihood estimation of ability. Item selection was on the basis of information. The simulation terminated…

Two modification formulas are presented for the test information function in order to provide better measures of local accuracies of the estimation of "theta" when maximum likelihood estimation is used to provide the estimate of ability "theta." A minimum bound of any estimator, biased or unbiased, is considered; and Formula 1…

The Testing Center at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in North Carolina, Educational Testing Service, and the College Board are participating jointly in pilot and field testing Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs). CPTs, which assess communications, reading, and mathematics skills, have the following benefits: (1) students may take the…