The Utility of Adaptive Testing in Addressing the Problem of Unmotivated Examinees

Authors

  • Steven L. Wise Northwest Evaluation Association

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7333/jcat.v2i0.30

Abstract

In low-stakes testing programs, test developers have the dual responsibilities of developing and administering a high-quality test that can yield valid scores, and motivating examinees to put forth their best effort to perform well on that test. However, unmotivated examinees present a major threat to validity of scores from these types of testing programs. This integrative review examines the motivational benefits of computerized adaptive tests (CATs), and demonstrates that they can have important advantages over conventional tests in both identifying instances when examinees are exhibiting low effort, and effectively addressing the validity threat posed by unmotivated examinees.

Author Biography

  • Steven L. Wise, Northwest Evaluation Association
    Steve is a Senior Research Fellow at Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). He has mutiple publications in applied measurement, with particular emphases in computer-based testing and the psychology of test taking.  In recent years, Steve's research has focused primarily on methods for effectively dealing with the measurement problems posed by low examinee effort on achievement tests.

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Published

2014-01-17

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1-4 (2014)

Section

Articles

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