TitleCAT administration of language placement examinations
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2000
AuthorsStahl, J, Bergstrom, B, Gershon, RC
JournalJournal of Applied Measurement
Volume1
Number3
Pagination292-302
Publication Languageeng
Accession Number12029172
Keywords*Language, *Software, Aptitude Tests/*statistics & numerical data, Educational Measurement/*statistics & numerical data, Humans, Psychometrics, Reproducibility of Results, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Abstract

This article describes the development of a computerized adaptive test for Cegep de Jonquiere, a community college located in Quebec, Canada. Computerized language proficiency testing allows the simultaneous presentation of sound stimuli as the question is being presented to the test-taker. With a properly calibrated bank of items, the language proficiency test can be offered in an adaptive framework. By adapting the test to the test-taker's level of ability, an assessment can be made with significantly fewer items. We also describe our initial attempt to detect instances in which "cheating low" is occurring. In the "cheating low" situation, test-takers deliberately answer questions incorrectly, questions that they are fully capable of answering correctly had they been taking the test honestly.