skip to main content skip to footer

Computer Familiarity Among TOEFL Examinees TOEFL CAT

Author(s):
Kirsch, Irwin S.; Jamieson, Joan; Taylor, Carol; Eignor, Daniel
Publication Year:
1998
Report Number:
RR-98-06
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
42
Subject/Key Words:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Computer Assisted Testing, Questionnaires, Test Bias, English (Second Language), Language Proficiency, Computer Literacy

Abstract

computer familiarity was found to be unrelated to age, but was related to gender, native language, region of the world where the examinee was born, and test-center region. Computer familiarity was also shown to be related to individuals' TOEFL test scores and their reason for taking the test but unrelated to whether or not they had taken the test previously. Analyses of variance were conducted to investigate the relationships among proficiency as measured by the paper-and-pencil TOEFL test, computer familiarity, and selected background characteristics, including gender, age, native language, and reason for taking the test. The study results are also considered in light of existing research relating to various aspects of computer familiarity as well as in terms of their implications for professionals in universities and intensive language programs who will need to serve the needs of this diverse set of learners.

Read More