Computer-based testing and validity: A look back into the future

Abstract

Test developers and organisations that rely on test scores to make important decisions about students and schools are aggressively embracing computer-based testing. As one example, during the past two years, 16 US states have begun to develop computer-based tests that will be administered to students across their state. Without question computer-based testing promises to improve the efficiency of testing and reduce the costs associated with printing and delivering paper-based tests. Computer-based testing may also assist in providing accommodations to students with special needs. However, differences in prior computer experience and the degree to which items from different content areas can be presented and performed on computer ranges widely. In turn, these factors will have different impacts on the validity of test scores. In this paper, we examine the potential benefits and costs associated with moving current paper-based tests to computer, with a specific eye on how validity might be impacted. © 2003, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.