The Score Comparability of Computerized and Paper-and-Pencil Formats for K-3 Reading Tests
This study investigated the equivalence of scores from computerized and paper-and-pencil formats of a series of K-3 reading screening tests. Concerns about score equivalence on the computerized formats were warranted because of the use of reading passages, computer unfamiliarity of primary school students, and teacher versus computer administration of the test. The results indicated that the computerized format produced lower scores than the paper-and-pencil format across all four grades. These difficulty differences could be related to the differences in family income but further research is needed into the causal factors. However, confirmatory factor analysis supported the construct and measurement equivalence of the scores from the two formats.