Learning Objectives

After completing your study of this chapter, you should be able to do the following:

• Describe how computers have enhanced the development, administration, and scor­ing of psychological tests.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computerized testing.
• Explain the differences between adaptive testing and traditional testing.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of administering tests using the web.
• Discuss the implications of web-based technology for testing in the future.

Chapter Summary

Computers have become a familiar tool in the psychological testing industry. They now facilitate and enhance all phases of the testing process. Computers have made it easier to construct better classroom tests by providing instructors with access to test banks, large databases of questions. Now test users can administer many types of assessments on computers. In addition, computerized administration allows test developers to use more sophisticated assessment types such as adaptive tests.

Advantages of computerized testing include efficient testing, more convenient testing times, administration at home or in other comfortable locations, improved standardization of administration, more opportunities for testing people with physical and mental challenges, fewer errors in scoring, inclusion of sound, and the accommodation of technologically advanced testing formats such as CAT. One disadvantage is increased difficulty for those who have computer anxiety.

The concept of adaptive testing dates to the early 20th century; however, computer technology has made CAT a familiar testing tool for students and job applicants today. CAT software begins the test with one to three questions of moderate difficulty. It then selects the subsequent test questions based on the test taker’s skill level, which was detected in previous questions, until the test taker’s skill level is affirmed. Web-based assessment has also expanded testing opportunities such as informal classroom assessment, formal standardized tests, pre-employment testing, and performance appraisal in organizations. In addition, survey research firms make use of information gathering via the web. Some issues with web-based tests include problems in timing tests, test taker strategies, monitoring test takers, and designing tests appropriate for responding online The effects and consequences of computerized and web-based testing are just beginning to be recognized by educators, clinicians, psychologists, human resources professionals, and legislators. E-learning, program assessment, clinical assessment, and testing for certification programs represent some current uses of web-based assessment that we expect will continue to facilitate testing in the future.