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The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of microcomputers for adaptive achievement testing using an item bank created by the item banking function of the Pitt Educational Testing Aids (PETA). The implementation was conducted in three sessions of a graduate level introductory educational research course. Two adaptive testing strategies were employed; Wald's Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) and Lord's Flexilevel Test. Students' performance in the adaptive tests were analyzed to evaluate the desirability of the program. However, no attempt was made to study or compare the reliability or validity of the two strategies. A questionnaire designed to seek the students attitudes toward computer-assisted testing was filled out by the students. Instructors of the course indicated their reactions through a structured interview after they had examined the testing program.
It was concluded from the results of the study that the use of microcomputers for conducting adaptive achievement tests is feasible. There were positive correlations between the computerized test results and the students mid-term results. The students expressed positive attitude about their testing experience.
The Microcomputerized Adaptive Achievement Test (MAAT) is available for further implementation. The software is designed to be used with Apple II series microcomputer. There is an instructor's manual explaining the step-by-step procedures. An instructor does not need to have a lot of knowledge in psychometric theories or computer skills to utilize the MAAT.