Chapter 4Chapter 4Testing with Computers and Testing with Computers and Testing Special PopulationsTesting Special Populations

Computerized TestingComputerized Testing

Used for:Used for: Test DevelopmentTest Development Test AdministrationTest Administration Test Scoring and InterpretationTest Scoring and Interpretation

Test DevelopmentTest Development

Test Banks Test Banks - large number of M/C, - large number of M/C, T/F, matching, short-answer, and T/F, matching, short-answer, and essay questions. Software essay questions. Software programs often accompany programs often accompany textbooks.textbooks.

Helps construct more valid Helps construct more valid exams.exams.

Test AdministrationTest Administration

Some computerized tests are identical to Some computerized tests are identical to the pencil-paper versions.the pencil-paper versions.

Others are Others are adaptive testsadaptive tests – tests made – tests made up of questions chosen from a large test up of questions chosen from a large test bank to match the skills and ability level bank to match the skills and ability level of the test taker. Test takers start off of the test taker. Test takers start off with the same questions and then, with the same questions and then, depending how the person answers, the depending how the person answers, the questions change.questions change.

Adaptive tests provide a fuller profile of Adaptive tests provide a fuller profile of the person in a shorter period of time.the person in a shorter period of time.

Test Scoring and Test Scoring and InterpretationInterpretation Can often purchase computerized Can often purchase computerized

scoring program that save time scoring program that save time and money.and money.

Advantages of Advantages of Computerized TestingComputerized Testing1.1. EfficientEfficient2.2. Convenient schedulingConvenient scheduling3.3. Administered individually & comfortablyAdministered individually & comfortably4.4. Eliminate human errorEliminate human error5.5. More technologically advanced testing More technologically advanced testing

proceduresprocedures6.6. Easier to test handicapped personsEasier to test handicapped persons7.7. Can be administered in an adaptive Can be administered in an adaptive

formatformat8.8. Decrease errors in scoringDecrease errors in scoring

Disadvantages of Disadvantages of Computerized TestingComputerized Testing1.1. Unfair to computer-illiterate and computer-Unfair to computer-illiterate and computer-

phobic test takersphobic test takers2.2. Racial and sex discriminationRacial and sex discrimination3.3. Can compromise psychometric quality of Can compromise psychometric quality of

teststests4.4. Unfair to older test takersUnfair to older test takers5.5. Discriminate against the handicappedDiscriminate against the handicapped6.6. Interpretations are canned and may not Interpretations are canned and may not

apply to everyoneapply to everyone7.7. Prohibit using pencil-an-paper test taking Prohibit using pencil-an-paper test taking

strategiesstrategies8.8. Not psychometrically equivalent to pencil-Not psychometrically equivalent to pencil-

and-paper counterpartsand-paper counterparts

Testing the Physically Testing the Physically and Mentally and Mentally HandicappedHandicappedTypes of Impairments:Types of Impairments: Sensory impairments – deafness, Sensory impairments – deafness,

blindnessblindness Motor impairments – paralysis, Motor impairments – paralysis,

missing limbs, cerebral palsymissing limbs, cerebral palsy Cognitive impairments – mental Cognitive impairments – mental

retardation, learning disabilities, retardation, learning disabilities, TBITBI

Laws Protecting Laws Protecting Persons with Persons with HandicapsHandicapsRehabilitation Act of 1973Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Americans with Disabilities Act of Americans with Disabilities Act of 19901990

Individuals with Disabilities Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (just Education Act of 1997 (just revised)revised)

Require testing accommodations Require testing accommodations and proper test interpretationand proper test interpretation

Testing Students with Testing Students with Learning DisabilitiesLearning Disabilities

LD students have no visible sign of LD students have no visible sign of their disabilitytheir disability

3 broad categories:3 broad categories:

1.1. Developmental Speech or Developmental Speech or Language DisordersLanguage Disorders

2.2. Academic Skills DisordersAcademic Skills Disorders

3.3. ““Other”Other”

ADHDADHD

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity DisorderDisorder

Characterized by excessive Characterized by excessive daydreaming and distraction not daydreaming and distraction not considered a learning disability.considered a learning disability.

Often accompanies academic Often accompanies academic skills disordersskills disorders

What To Do?What To Do?

Both teachers and students can Both teachers and students can appropriately accommodate for appropriately accommodate for disorders so that students with disorders so that students with disabilities end up performing disabilities end up performing very well in academic settings.very well in academic settings.