The Higher Education Psychology Network existed from 2004 to 2011 to promote excellence in the learning, teaching and assessment of Psychology in UK HE

Evaluation and dissemination of a tool for administering online MCQ assessments to psychology undergraduates

This miniproject is now complete.


Recent interest in and use of online assessments across a range of disciplines has raised a number of issues relating to student experience and performance using this medium. The validity of such online tests is a crucial consideration, especially if they are to be used for summative as well as formative assessment. The current project will disseminate a tool for constructing online MCQ assessments which has been developed and used at Bolton Institute of Higher Education, and present a preliminary evaluation of the use of this tool. The evaluation element will address 3 key research questions: (i) what are students' experiences and perceptions of online MCQ tests; (ii) how does the performance of groups of students taking the same test in online and offline contexts compare; (iii) is there any evidence of a relationship between computer anxiety measures and/or biosocial attributes and performance on online MCQ tests. The latter issue is of prime importance in the context of the current emphasis on both e-learning and widening participation in higher education.

Details of assessments and tools.

Funding: £4,052.50

Start Date: April 2004

Contact: Claire Hewson , Department of Psychology,, University of Bolton,, Bolton, BL3 5AB


Higher Education Academy

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Archive information

Background
One of 24 discipline-based centres within the Higher Education Academy, the Psychology Network supported the teaching and learning of psychology across the UK between 2004 and 2011. A core team, based at the University of York, worked with students, staff, departments, professional bodies and overseas organisations to develop supportive networks and to improve the learning experience of psychology students in Higher Education.
Higher Education Academy
British Psychological Society
Europlat