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

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 rea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Applied Psychology Vol. 87; no. 2; pp. 320 - 333
Main Authors: Tonidandel, Scott, Quiñones, Miguel A., Adams, Ann A.
Format: Article
Published: American Psychological Association April 2002
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Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Description
Summary: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. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.