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College Board Computerized Placement Tests: Validation of an Adaptive Test of Basic Skills CPT

Author(s):
Ward, William C.; Kline, Roberta G.; Flaugher, Jan
Publication Year:
1986
Report Number:
RR-86-29
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
25
Subject/Key Words:
Adaptive Testing, Basic Skills Assessment, College Board Tests, Computer Assisted Testing, Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs), Placement Tests, Test Validity

Abstract

Seventeen two- and four-year institutions participated in pilot testing of the College Board Computerized Placement Tests during 1984 and 1985. Reactions of students and of faculty and staff were favorable. Both groups found the computer easy to use; both liked especially the adaptation of the test to a student's level of skills and the ability to obtain immediate score reports. Analyses of the relations between test scores and end-of-term grades were done separately by level of course (developmental or introductory college-level). Grades in single courses constitute a very fallible criterion, confounded by a number of factors. Nonetheless, moderate correlations with grades, with median values generally in the range from .30 to .40, were found for all categories of courses examined except for developmental mathematics courses; in the latter, the median correlations were over .50. These coefficients are similar in magnitude to those found in studies with professionally constructed paper and pencil test batteries. (25pp.)

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