Perceived Effectiveness of Computer-Based Test in Curbing Examination Malpractices and Revitalizing Quality Control by Undergraduates of Federal Universities in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the perceived effectiveness of computer-based test in curbing examination malpractices and revitalizing quality at the Federal Universities in Southwestern Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population for the study consisted of all undergraduates at the Federal universities in Southwestern Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 1,200 samples for the study. A questionnaire titled “Perceived Effectiveness of Computer-based Test in Curbing Examination Malpractices and Revitalizing Quality (PECBTCEMRQ) was used to gather data. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count, mean and standard deviation. The results showed that the paper pencil test is highly susceptible to different kinds of malpractices (81.3%). The result also showed the CBT effectiveness in curbing examination malpractices is very high (87.5%). Again, the result showed the CBT effectiveness in revitalizing quality is also attested to be high (73.6%). The study concludes that Computer-based test is more effective and preferred to Paper-pencil Test at ensuring reduction in examination malpractices and revitalizing quality of graduates in Southwestern Nigeria. Nevertheless, inadequate facilities, poor network failure among many were identified to have impede the effectiveness of CBT at controlling examination malpractices and revitalizing quality control. The study recommends that the management of education at all level should endeavor to improve on identified deficient facilities and infrastructures for the full potentials of CBT to materialize.