A Comparison of a Traditional Test Format vs a Computerized Administration of the Carrow-Woolfolk Test for Auditory Comprehension of Language

The use of computers to assist in assessment, intervention, reporting and training professionals is increasing. However, systematic evaluations of computer programs have not been conducted in order to determine if computer programs can assist speech-language pathologists in more efficient and effective service delivery. This study set out to determine the potential advantages (if any) of using computerized assessments as compared with more traditional paper and pencil tests. Twenty subjects were tested with the traditional paper and pencil version of the Test for Auditory Comprehension of Language (Revised Edition) (Carrow-Woolfolk, 1985a) and a computerized version of the test, developed for the purposes of this study. Each subject received both versions of the test, with three weeks between administrations. Each subject's raw scores and the times taken to administer and score the test were recorded. No significant differences were found in the raw scores obtained on the two versions. However, the differ...