THE IMPACT OF FREQUENT CUMULATIVE TESTING ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research study was made to determine possible effects on student performance of using frequent cumulative testing in undergraduate sections of managerial accounting. Prior research studies suggest possible gains in student performance may be achieved when the tests are designed with high test item overlap. With this design in mind, a six cumulative testing process was implemented in undergraduate managerial accounting classes during the fall of 2014 and the spring of 2015. These testing results were compared to a three cumulative testing process made during the spring of 2013, fall of 2013, and the spring of 2014. The study results indicate that the students who were assessed with six cumulative tests significantly outperformed those students who were assessed with three cumulative tests. The study results may provide guidelines for the design of classroom testing in undergraduate business courses. Keywords test frequency, learning assessment, student learning outcomes, frequent testing effect