Examinee attitudes toward computer-administered ability testing

Abstract

This study tested a recursive causal model for explaining the attitudes of a sample of clerical employees toward computer-administered ability testing. Immediately following a comprehensive, 2 1/2 hour computer-administered testing session, the examinees responded to a short attitude questionnaire. A factor analysis of the attitudinal items produced two factors labeled: General Acceptance of Computer-Administered Testing and Ease of Taking a Computer-Administered Test. A theoretical-causal model was developed to evaluate the effects of ability (verbal, numerical, and perceptual abilities assessed via the computer), experience (word processing experience, computer-related experience), and demographic (educational level) variables posited as determinants of the two attitude factors. The results provided adequate support for a preliminary model and strong support for a revised model. A noteworthy finding was the relatively strong impact of Numerical Ability test performance on General Acceptance of Computer-Administered Testing and Ease of Taking a Computer-Administered Test. Some limitations of the study as well as the implications of the present findings for researchers and practitioners are discussed.