title: A comparison of linear, fixed-form computer-based testing versus traditional paper-and-pencil-format testing in veterinary medical education.
abstract: Computerized testing has made significant inroads into veterinary education. Traditional paper-and-pencil examination formats are being replaced by computer-based testing (CBT). Computer-administered, fixed-form tests, because they mimic most closely the familiar fixed-response paper-and-pencil test formats, might intuitively seem to be inherently equivalent to their paper-and-pencil counterparts. However, research examining test-mode effects on student performance presents a very mixed picture. Additionally, students often report that they feel their performance is adversely affected by CBT and that their grades on the computer-based exams are lower than they would have been on the more familiar paper-and-pencil format. In order to address student perceptions of negative impact and the mixed nature of the published research results on the topic, a study was conducted to assess whether the transition from paper-and-pencil to equivalent linear CBT exams did, in fact, affect students' examination scores. This study found no evidence for significant test-mode effects on student scores as a result of the introduction of computer-based testing into the veterinary curriculum.
authors.affiliation: College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri--Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. FolkL@missouri.edu
authors.forename: Lillian C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Folk
authors.forename: J Zachary
authors.initials: JZ
authors.lastname: March
authors.forename: Robin D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Hurst
mesh_terms: D003197:Computer Literacy; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004520:Education, Veterinary / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans