Discussion of adapting traditional paper and pencil tests to electronic formats focuses on a study of undergraduates that examined the equivalence between computer-based and traditional tests when the computer testing provided opportunities comparable to paper testing conditions. Results showed no difference between scores from the two test types.…

In a simulation study of ability and estimation of differential item functioning (DIF) in computerized adaptive tests, Rasch-based DIF statistics were highly correlated with generating DIF, but DIF statistics tended to be slightly smaller than in the three-parameter logistic model analyses. (SLD)

Reviews potential Internet applications in counseling test selection, orientation, administration, scoring and interpretation. Explores inappropriate assessment use, relationship issues, ethics, credentialing, and training. (Contains 39 references and an appendix.) (Author/GCP)

Reviews lessons learned from experience with computer-aided learning that can inform the use of computers in student assessment in college teaching, describes the experience of two institutions with computer-assisted student assessment, and makes recommendations for developing and implementing effective institution-wide systems. (Author/MSE)

Theoretical null distributions of several fit statistic have been derived for paper-and-pencil tests. Examined whether these distributions also hold for computerized adaptive tests through simulation. Rates for two statistics studied were found to be similar in most cases. (SLD)

Proposes an item-selection algorithm for neutralizing the differential effects of time limits on computerized adaptive test scores. Uses a statistical model for distributions of examinees' response times on items in a bank that is updated each time an item is administered. Demonstrates the method using an item bank from the Armed Services…

Evaluated the distribution of person fit within the computerized-adaptive testing (CAT) environment through simulation. Found that, within the CAT environment, these indexes tend not to follow a standard normal distribution. Person fit indexes had means and standard deviations that were quite different from the expected. (SLD)

Investigated three models that permit restricted examinee control over revising previous answers in the context of adaptive testing, using simulation. Two models permitting item revisions worked well in preserving test fairness and accuracy, and one model may preserve some cognitive processing styles developed by examinees for a linear testing…

Argues that the lack of development in computer-based testing is the result of four factors: (1) a lack of interest among computer-assisted language learning (CALL) researchers and testing professionals; (2) persistent technical limitations of computers; (3) unresolved theoretical concerns; and (4) equity issues. (Author/VWL)

Imagine administering an online standardized test to an entire class of 11th-grade students when, halfway through the exam, the server holding the test hits a snag and throws everyone offline. Imagine another scenario in which an elementary school has very few computers so teachers must bus their students to the local high school for a timed test.…

Although instructional methods are moving in ever greater number to a multimedia base, testing is not. What principles should be considered in correcting this misalignment?

This study investigated the effect of several different modes of test administration on scores and completion times. In Experiment 1, paper-based assessment was compared to computer-based assessment. Undergraduates completed the computer-based assessment faster than the paper-based assessment, with no difference in scores. Experiment 2 assessed…

We present the results of multivariate normal mixture modeling of Piagetian data. The sample consists of 101 children, who carried out a (pseudo-)conservation computer task on four occasions. We fitted both cross-sectional mixture models, and longitudinal models based on a Markovian transition model. Piagetian theory of cognitive development…

An event-related brain potential experiment was carried out to investigate on-line syntactic processing in patients with Broca's aphasia. Subjects were visually presented with sentences that were either syntactically correct or contained violations of word-category. Three groups of subjects were tested: Broca patients (N=11), non-aphasic patients…

The paper uses both the author's experience of research training, and the empirical studies of autism in which he participated over the last 40-plus years, to derive research lessons and to consider the needs and prospects for future research. Attention is drawn to: the importance of mentors; the need to use technologies in a hypothesis-testing…