International Test Commission
International Guidelines on Computer-Based and Internet Delivered Testing
Glossary
|
A program (e.g. Netscape or Internet Explorer) which allows an individual to view pages downloaded from the Internet.
|
|
|
The time taken for the browser to connect with the Internet test and download material.
|
|
|
This is a mode of test administration in which control is exercised over who can access a test on the internet and how often they can access it. It may also include controls over the location they can access it from and the time or date it is available.
|
|
|
Reports that are generated using algorithms to detail a test-takers profile from computer/Internet testing. Such interpretations can be tailored to specific stakeholders and can differ in format.
|
|
|
|
|
Computer systems that handle file maintenance and disk space allocation, including data storage, record access and the physical location of the files. |
|
Combination of hardware and operating system for which the test has been developed. For example, designing a test to work on the Windows platform.
|
|
|
A difference in responses to a test item (or items) as a result of group membership (e.g. ethnicity) and not as a result of actual differences on the trait being measured.
|
|
|
Help feature that is built into the computer software, which can be accessed by the test taker and which provides a tutorial on how to use the test software.
|
|
|
Feature that allows data to be encrypted during transmission over the Internet
|
|
|
A server that protects data from outside or malicious access whilst allowing a reduced level of security precautions for internal communications (e.g. communications within an organisation)
|
|
Graphical User Interface (GUI) design standards
|
|
Industry standards for the effective design of the interactive outer layer (e.g. operating systems) of computer programmes.
|
|
A failure that results in the computer or internet test not responding. Normally, a reset is required before testing can begin.
|
|
|
The hardware used to input information (data or commands) into the computer (e.g. keyboard, mouse etc).
|
|
|
A large set of items, generally calibrated using Item Response Theory, which can be used for computer adaptive testing or to build up multiple unique Internet tests with known properties.
|
|
|
Repeated presentation of the same item. High levels of item exposure increase the likelihood that item security may be compromised.
|
|
|
A mode of administration in which there is both direct supervision and control over the equipment being used, and other conditions. Typically managed mode administration refers to the use of dedicated testing centres.
|
|
|
A combination of moving and still pictures as well as the use of sound by the computer software.
|
|
|
A mode of administration where the test taker has direct access to the test materials. So there is no involvement of a test user or test administrator. Such tests include the books of tests you might buy in the local book shop or the tests you can find on the Internet that are directly accessible to everyone. Often the only requirement is that you pay some money before you can access the test. However, no qualifications are required from you either in terms of test use or test administration.
|
|
|
Testing in a supervised or managed format where there is direct human supervision over test-taking conditions.
|
|
|
A server that acts as an intermediary between a user’s computer and the computer they want to access. If a user makes a request for a resource from computer “A,” this request is directed to the proxy server, which makes the request, gets the response from computer “A,” and then forwards the response to the client.
|
|
|
A set of rules that enable encrypted communications to be made between devices (e.g. computers) over the Internet in a secure manner
|
|
|
A Server is a computer, or a software application that provides a specific kind of service to client software running on other computers. The term can refer to a particular piece of software, such as a Web Server, or to the computer on which the software is running. A single computer may have several different server software applications running on it, thus providing many different servers to clients on a network.
|
|
|
This is the mode in which the test administrator has direct face-to-face involvement with the test taker. The test takers will come to a location where the test administrator is able to supervise them taking the test. However, the test distributor has no means of directly controlling the nature of the location or the type of equipment being used.
|
|
|
Changes or adaptations made to the test (software, input devices, hardware etc) to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
|
|
|
Those involved in designing and creating computer and Internet tests.
|
|
|
Those involved in selling and marketing computer and Internet tests. Publishers may also be involved in developing tests.
|
|
|
People who complete tests on computer or over the Internet.
|
|
|
A broad category of stakeholders who are involved in actually using the computer and Internet tests. This could involve purchasing tests, selecting appropriate tests, administering and scoring the tests, providing feedback on test results to test takers and others.
|
|
|
Testing in an open or controlled format where there is no direct human supervision over test-taking conditions. |