Abstract
Twenty-eight introductory psychology college students volunteered to learn a technique that might help improve their in-class, multiple-choice exam performance. Two 12-question multiple-choice tests with detailed feedback were presented on a personal computer. There were two types of feedback.Separate feedback consisted of a brief statement indicating why a specific answer was either right or wrong.Combined feedback consisted of the four separate feedbacks combined into a single paragraph. Eighteen students from another introductory class, who did not get to participate in these practice tests, served as a control. A within-group comparison of the two feedback formats showed differences in degree of improvement dependent on the level of achievement by students on the first in-class exam. When compared with data from the control group, the results show significant improvement by the low-level participants on the second in-class exam (p<.01).
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Anderson, R. C., Kulhavy, R. W., &Andre, T. (1971). Feedback procedures in programmed instruction.Journal of Educational Psychology,62, 148–156.
Bloom, B. S. (Ed.). (1956).Taxonomy of educational objectives. New York: David McKay.
Carrier, C. A., &Sales, G. C. (1987). Pair versus individual work on the acquisition of concepts in a computer-based instructional lesson.Journal of Computer-Based Instruction,14, 11–17.
Carter, J. (1984). Instructional learner feedback: a literature review with implications for software development. Conputing Teacher,10, 53–55.
Crider, A. B., Goethals, G. R., Kavanaugh, R. D., &Solomon, P. R. (1986).Psychology (2nd ed.). Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman.
Merrill, J. (1987). Levels of questioning and forms of feedback: Instructional factors in courseware design.Journal of Computer-Based Instruction,14, 18–22.
Metzger, R. L. (1985). Microcomputers in the small college psychology department.MicroPsych Network,2, 6–8.
Ory, J. C. (1986). Ory testing program. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman.
Pettijohn, T. F. (1985). Computer assisted programs for a general psychology course.MicroPsych Network,2, 4–5.
Roper, A. L. (1977). Feedback in computer-assisted instruction.Programmed Learning & Educational Technology,14, 43–49.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lee-sammons, W.H., Wollen, K.A. Computerized practice tests and effects on in-class exams. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers 21, 189–194 (1989). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03205581
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03205581