COMPUTER-BASED TESTING IN SOCIOLOGY - A DESCRIPTION AND EVALUATION

Computer-based testing is introduced as an alternative or supplement t o regular classroom testing in introductory sociology. With computer-b ased testing, each student takes course examinations directly on a com puter outside the classroom. We present information on how to develop and implement such a system, and report results of an evaluation of co mputer-based testing at one university. Practical and pedagogical bene fits as well as problems of this testing procedure are discussed. Facu lty members see many practical benefits of using computer-based testin g in the introductory course, while reporting that educationally it is at least as sound as in-class testing. Students generally like the fl exibility of computer-based testing and find it easy to use. The bigge st problem is that grades tend to be lower than on in-class tests. Alt ernative uses of computer-based testing also are presented.