The Impact of Settable Test Item Exposure Control Interface Format On Postsecondary Business Student Test Performance

Abstract

A search of theERICdatabase reveals a keen interest in computer-based testing by researchers over the past 35 years. Indeed, a focused search of theERICdatabase using the descriptor "computer assisted testing" from 1970 through 2003 returned 1,954 citations. More than half (55.6%,n= 1,105) of these 1,954 citations were dated from 1990 through 2003. This research interest in computer-based testing is likely a result of the many advantages associated with its use (Goldberg & Pedulla, 2002). A number of researchers have reported on the advantages of computer-based testing (e.g.,Alderson, 2000;Alexander, Bartlett, Truell, & Ouwenga, 2001;Barkley, 2002;Bocij & Greasley, 1999;DeSouza & Fleming, 2003;Goldberg & Pedulla, 2002;Greenberg, 1998;Shermis & Lombard, 1998;Shermis, Mzumara, & Bublitz, 2001;Song, 1998;Stephens, 2001;Truell & Davis, 2003). Often cited advantages of computer-based testing include decreased testing costs, effective records management, increased assessment options, improved scoring precision, instant feedback to students, more instructional time, more test administration choices, and reduced testing time. Despite the many advantages associated with computer-based tests for student assessment purposes, there are several areas of concern associated with their use. Two areas of concern with computer-based test use are user interfaces and test item exposure control formats.