In a randomized experiment (n = 515), a computerized and a computerized adaptive test (CAT) are compared. The item pool consists of 24 polytomous motivation items. Although items are carefully selected, calibration data show that Samejima's graded response model did not fit the data optimally. A simulation study is done to assess possible…

Because of the great promise of distance learning for delivering cost-effective instruction, there is great interest in determining whether or not it actually is effective, and--more interesting--determining what variables of design and implementation make it more or less effective. Unfortunately, much of the research has been based on simple…

The International Test Commission's (this issue) Guidelines on Computer-Based and Internet-Delivered Testing constitute a comprehensive and excellent set of internationally agreed guidelines. This article looks forward and discusses what should be done to ensure that these guidelines will be used in educational, clinical, and organizational…

This paper reports the results of a study into the quality of peer feedback provided by students within a computerised peer-assessment environment. The study looks at the creation of a "feedback index" that represents the quality of an essay based upon the feedback provided during a peer-marking process and identifies a significant…

Computing-related programmes and modules have many problems, especially related to large class sizes, large-scale plagiarism, module franchising, and an increased requirement from students for increased amounts of hands-on, practical work. This paper presents a practical computer networks module which uses a mixture of online examinations and a…

Directions are given for scoring typing tests taken on a typewriter or on a computer using special software. The speed score (gross words per minute) is obtained by determining the total number of strokes typed, and dividing by 25. The accuracy score is obtained by comparing the examinee's test paper to the appropriate scoring key and counting the…

Approaches for norming skewed test score distributions are reviewed, and an analytical approach is proposed for norming the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Methods used in constructing norms for several well-known personality instruments that are reviewed include: (1) linear T-scores transformation in the Minnesota Multiphasic…

An adaptive test can usually match or exceed the measurement precision of conventional tests several times its length. This increased efficiency is not without costs, however, as the models underlying adaptive testing make strong assumptions about examinees and items. Most troublesome is the assumption that item pools are unidimensional. Truly…

This document is a guide for computer enhanced counseling program development. An introductory overview on counselors and computers focuses on the use of microcomputers, the use of computers in test scoring and recordkeeping, and computer-assisted career guidance systems. Other chapters include the following: (1) Becoming a Computer Literate…

This brief overview notes that an adaptive test differs from standardized achievement tests in that it does not consist of a certain set of items that are administered to a group of examinees. Instead, the test is individualized for each examinee. The items administered to the examinee are selected from a large pool of items on the basis of the…

Possible threats and promises perceived by counselors when computers are introduced into the counseling field are examined in this fact sheet. Computer-assisted counseling and computer-managed counseling are discussed. A seven-step model for designing a "hi-tech" counseling program is presented. (NB)

To ensure that the essential job-related reading materials for nonrated United States Navy personnel were not beyond their reading capabilities, a study was undertaken to determine the readability levels of a representative sample of essential Navy job-related materials. The criteria for selecting material were that it be narrative text and that…

This report described a feasibility study designed to investigate the utility of interactive videodisc technology in testing preschool children. Computer assisted testing permits test administration with minimal training for personnel, high quality control in administration procedures, and immediate scoring and feedback. The combination of an…

Computer-based test interpretation (CBTI) is discussed in terms of its potential dangers to the public interest, problems with professional review of CBTI systems, and needed policies for these systems. Several problems with CBTI systems are outlined: (1) they may be nicely packaged, but it is difficult to establish their value; (2) they do not…

Features of a probabilistic testing system that has been implemented on the "cerl" PLATO computer system are described. The key feature of the system is the manner in which an examinee responds to each test item; the examinee distributes probabilities among the alternatives of each item by positioning a small square on or within an…