Computer-adaptive testing: the impact of test characteristics on perceived performance and test takers' reactions.

Full Abstract

This study examined how specific features of adaptive tests are related to test takers' reactions. Participants took a computer-adaptive test in which 2 features, difficulty of the initial item and difficulty of subsequent items, were manipulated, then responded to questionnaires assessing their reactions to the test. The data show that the relationship between a test's objective difficulty, which was determined by the 2 manipulated test characteristics, and reactions was fully mediated by perceived performance. Additional analyses evaluated the impact of feedback on reactions to the adaptive test. In general, feedback that was consistent with perceptions of performance was positively related to reactions. The results suggest that minor changes to the design of an adaptive test may potentially enhance examinees' reactions.

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Author information

Author/s: Tonidandel, Scott (S); Quiñones, Miguel A (MA); Adams, Ann A (AA);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Rice University, USA. sctonidandel(-atsign-)davidson.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: The Journal of applied psychology (J Appl Psychol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Apr; vol 87 (issue 2) : pp 320-32

Dates: Created 2002/05/10; Completed 2002/06/07; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12002960, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Humans
Internal-External Control
Male
Microcomputers
Psychology - education
Software
Students - psychology

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