For many years personalization of achievement testing has been impossible in all but the simplest forms. Recently, item response theory (IRT), or latent trait theory, has emerged as a valuable tool which brings far greater flexibility to the process than had previously been possible. The single parameter Rasch Model, a mathematical model developed…

A study tested the hypothesis that learning disabled (LD), specifically reading disabled, children differ from "normal" children in their ability to acquire automatic perceptual processes. The subjects were 16 third grade and 15 sixth grade students, of whom 7 third grade and 3 sixth grade students were classified as LD. LaBerge's letter…

This report discussed the following questions in regard to testing, measurement and evaluation in the Indiana public schools: (1) Where are we? (2) Is "where we are" different from where we perceive we should be? (3) Do teachers feel competent in testing? (4) How are teachers' skills viewed by their "superiors," the central…

Monte Carlo simulation was used to investigate score bias and information characteristics of Owen's Bayesian adaptive testing strategy, and to examine possible causes of score bias. Factors investigated in three related studies included effects of item discrimination, effects of fixed vs. variable test length, and effects of an accurate prior…

A computerized adaptive testing version of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (CAT-ASVAB) is being developed to test ten areas of vocational aptitude. Development of the CAT-ASVAB is based upon the use of item banks, testing and scoring procedures, assessment of test reliability and test validity, a technical manual, and the…

The MTA PLATO-based evaluation system, which has been implemented by a consortium of schools of medical technology, is designed to be general-purpose, modular, data-driven, and interactive, and to accommodate other national and local item banks. The system provides a comprehensive interactive item-banking system in conjunction with online student…

The purposes of this study were to determine if there is a significant difference in postsecondary business student scores and test completion time based on settable test item exposure control interface format, and to determine if there is a significant difference in student scores and test completion time based on settable test item exposure…

A computer managed instructional system for reading, begun five years ago in Belvedere-Parkway Elementary School in Calgary, contains 329 behavioral objectives ranging from kindergarten to 8th grade levels, with testing performed online. After completion of a test, a student receives a printout listing the objectives completed, those that need…

This paper presents a new method for estimating a given latent trait variable by the least-squares approach. The beta weights are obtained recursively with the help of Fourier series and expressed as functions of item parameters of response curves. The values of the latent trait variable estimated by this method and by maximum likelihood method…

Although most interactive systems seem to facilitate user work, the system described--an interactive examination system--increased the time required by as much as 100 percent. Students taking an exam interactively and on paper were videotaped. Analysis showed the extra time went to system overhead, think time, and trouble understanding what to do.…

Describes the practical workup of a multiple choice examination system in electrical engineering. Discusses some of the pedagogical advantages obtained by statistical handling of the data. Provides some examples of items. (TW)

Describes an interactive computer-testing and record-keeping system that was implemented for a self-paced anatomy and physiology course. Results of exploratory research are reported that focus on student preference for online testing, test anxiety, attitude, and achievement; and suggestions are given for integrating a computer-testing program into…

Describes a computerized system which presents objective test items to students, and upon question completion, provides immediate feedback with correct answers and explanations. Use of the system by pharmacology students and an analysis of end-of-year examination results are presented. (Author/MBR)

Microcomputers are influencing the field of school psychology. Current uses include test administration, scoring and interpretation, report writing, data management, statistics, research, time management, telecommunications networks, computer managed and computer assisted instruction, career guidance and large databases. This article reviews…

Some of the benefits available from using computers to administer the kinds of tests that are familiar in educational settings are reviewed. Four applications that represent current or near-term enhancements of assessment are discussed: computerized adaptive testing, diagnostic testing, test preparation, and administration of simulations of…