Differences between first generation computer based tests and paper and pencil tests: influence of speed and level of computer skills

Abstract

There are contradictory results about the equivalence of paper and pencil tests and computer based tests. The reasons for this lack of homogeneity have been the differences between the computer systems used as point of reference (item presentation, the possibility to view, respond to, skip or review items not answered or answered) and their different perceptive or motor demands. Other variables, as the computer skills and the speed leve! of the test, that can be very important in the explanation of this heterogeneity, are analyzed in this papero According to these parameters, the equivalence between both assessment supports is analyzed and certain standards concerning the design of Computer Based Tests are proposed.