The differential aptitude test (language usage and spelling): A clinical study of a computerized form

As part of the Leicester/DHSS project on microcomputer-aided assessment, 103 subjects were tested and retested on standard and computerized versions of the Differential Aptitude Tests for Language Usage and Spelling (Forms S and T). Subjects were generally faster on the computerized versions than on the standard versions. On the Language Usage test, subjects scored significantly higher on the computerized than on the standard test. The correlations found between the standard and computerized versions were modest in comparison to the original test-retest reliabilities. It is concluded that these data argue against the claim that the current computerized versions of the tests are psychometrically parallel to the standard versions. This research, which was carried out when the authors were at the Department of Psychology, University of Leicester, was supported by the United Kingdom Department of Health and Social Security.