An Objective Test Analysis Program Utilizing the IBM 1230 Optical Mark Scoring Reader

THE Objective Test Analysis (OTA) Program described in this article is designed to aid in the evaluation of multiple-choice examinations and the assignment of grades. An IBM 1230 Optical Mark Scoring Reader with an on-line 534 card punch enables a card(s) containing an identification number, score(s), and responses to each item to be punched for each test paper, as the papers are being processed by the 1230. Hence, answer sheets can be scored upon receipt and returned to the instructor immediately. The OTA Program is composed of four major sections, providing measures of central tendency and dispersion, a frequency distribution of scores, an item analysis, and a class list of raw and standard scores. The program is described below.