A new procedure, the Letter Memory Test, was developed for evaluating adequacy of effort given during neuropsychological testing. It is a computer-administered forced-choice recognition task. In three studies involving nearly 400 patients and community volunteers, the test discriminated among poorly and highly motivated groups, and its internal…

Studied differences in pointing accuracy in computer-simulated mazes as a function of maze complexity and training effects. Results with 219 college students indicate that, although pointing accuracy remained higher for men, pointing performance can be modified by experience. (SLD)

Used simulations of computerized adaptive tests to evaluate results yielded by four commonly used ability estimation methods: maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and three Bayesian approaches. Results show clear distinctions between MLE and Bayesian methods. (SLD)

Contrasts "mental models" used by automated scoring for the simulation division of the computerized Architect Registration Examination with those used by experienced human graders for 3,613 candidate solutions. Discusses differences in the models used and the potential of automated scoring to enhance the validity evidence of scores. (SLD)

Discusses the use of multimedia in large-scale computer-based testing programs to measure problem solving and related cognitive constructs more effectively. Considers the incorporation of dynamic stimuli such as audio, video, and animation, and gives examples in history, physical education, and the sciences. (Author/LRW)

Dental hygiene students (n=15) took a first examination on computer then paper; 15 others took the paper test first. Computer test scores were higher than paper for the first exam. Student acceptance of the computer format was mixed. Computer exams reduced scoring and grade reporting time. (SK)

Proposes an algorithm that minimizes the asymptotic variance of the maximum-likelihood (ML) estimator of a linear combination of abilities of interest. The criterion results in a closed-form expression that is easy to evaluate. Also shows how the algorithm can be modified if the interest is in a test with a "simple ability structure."…

This paper proposes a model for computer-based assessment systems that utilizes a step-wise approach to assessment design and implementation, within which the management and assessment of operational, technical, pedagogic, and financial risks are made explicit. The cyclic model has five components: planning, risk analysis and management,…

Studied item exposure in a computerized adaptive test when the item selection algorithm presents examinees with questions they were asked in a previous test administration. Results with 178 repeat examinees on a medical technologists' test indicate that the combined use of an adaptive algorithm to select items and latent trait theory to estimate…

The extent to which variables from a previous study (P. Mosenthal, 1996) on document processing influenced difficulty on 165 tasks from the pose scales of five national adult literacy scales was studied. Three process variables accounted for 78% of the variance when prose task difficulty was defined using level scores. Implications for computer…

Describes reasons for resisting computer editing tests and suggests possible problems with using only directed student self-placement in open access institutions. Presents a sample student profile to illustrate the interaction and negotiation among writing teachers as they read profiles and reach an agreement about their placement recommendation.…

Explores whether the functional element effect (Muysken, 1997), often observed in production, is replicated in on-line comprehension results. Compared results of published frequency counts involving Spanish-English code switches with comprehension-timed experimental results. (Author/VWL)

Describes three open-ended response types that could broaden the conception of mathematical problem solving used in computerized admissions tests: (1) mathematical expression (ME); (2) generating examples (GE); and (3) and graphical modeling (GM). Illustrates how combining ME, GE, and GM can form extended constructed response problems. (SLD)

Tests the hypothesis that the introduction of computer-adaptive testing may help to alleviate test anxiety and diminish the relationship between test anxiety and test performance. Compares a sample of Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test takers who took the computer-adaptive version of the test with another sample who took the…

Discusses computerized dynamic testing with cues and items presented according to objective algorithms, elaborating on appropriate designs and psychometric models. Presents two studies involving 311 military recruits and 584 recruits that support the psychometric properties of a test measuring the susceptibility of reasoning to stressors. (SLD)