551,037 research outputs found
A comparison of integrated testlet and constructed-response question formats
Constructed-response (CR) questions are a mainstay of introductory physics
textbooks and exams. However, because of time, cost, and scoring reliability
constraints associated with this format, CR questions are being increasingly
replaced by multiple-choice (MC) questions in formal exams. The integrated
testlet (IT) is a recently-developed question structure designed to provide a
proxy of the pedagogical advantages of CR questions while procedurally
functioning as set of MC questions. ITs utilize an answer-until-correct
response format that provides immediate confirmatory or corrective feedback,
and they thus allow not only for the granting of partial credit in cases of
initially incorrect reasoning, but furthermore the ability to build cumulative
question structures. Here, we report on a study that directly compares the
functionality of ITs and CR questions in introductory physics exams. To do
this, CR questions were converted to concept-equivalent ITs, and both sets of
questions were deployed in midterm and final exams. We find that both question
types provide adequate discrimination between stronger and weaker students,
with CR questions discriminating slightly better than the ITs. Meanwhile, an
analysis of inter-rater scoring of the CR questions raises serious concerns
about the reliability of the granting of partial credit when this traditional
assessment technique is used in a realistic (but non optimized) setting.
Furthermore, we show evidence that partial credit is granted in a valid manner
in the ITs. Thus, together with consideration of the vastly reduced costs of
administering IT-based examinations compared to CR-based examinations, our
findings indicate that ITs are viable replacements for CR questions in formal
examinations where it is desirable to both assess concept integration and to
reward partial knowledge, while efficiently scoring examinations.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figures, with appendix. Accepted for publication in
PRST-PER (August 2014
Structural reliability of electrical objects. Theory and examples of solving tasks
Structural reliability of energy objects is one of the most important topics of study in the study of specialty disciplines in the field of Power Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electromechanics. Students in the specialty "Renewable Energy and High Voltage Engineering and Electrophysics" should have a clear understanding of the nature of structural redundancy issues, be able to evaluate the actual level of reliability through appropriate analysis and know the ways and means of ensuring trouble–free operation of power systems, subsystems and objects of renewable energy
The Relativity Concept Inventory: development, analysis and results
We report on a concept inventory for special relativity: the development
process, data analysis methods, and results from an introductory relativity
class. The Relativity Concept Inventory tests understanding of kinematic
relativistic concepts. An unusual feature is confidence testing for each
question. This can provide additional information; for example high confidence
correlated with incorrect answers suggests a misconception. A novel aspect of
our data analysis is the use of Monte Carlo simulations to determine the
significance of correlations. This approach is particularly useful for small
sample sizes, such as ours. Our results include a gender bias that was not
present in other assessment, similar to that reported for the Force Concept
Inventory
Factors affecting e-government adoption in the state of Qatar
Electronic government (e-government) initiatives are in their early stages in many developing countries and faced with various issues pertaining to their implementation, adoption and diffusion. Although e-government has increased transparency and improved communication and access to information for citizens, digital diffusion of information is often achieved at high cost to government agencies. Conversely, citizens’ adoption of e-government services has been less than satisfactory in most countries. While studies by researchers continue to outline the most salient adoption constructs, as well as various frameworks and models for understanding adoption, research by independent consultancy/research organisations has produced a host of statistics and league tables of good and bad practices of service delivery. Like many other developing countries, the e-government initiative in the state of Qatar has faced a number of challenges since its inception in 2000. This study utilises the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to explore the adoption of e-government services in the state of Qatar. 1179 citizens were surveyed to collect primary data. A regression analysis was conducted to examine the influence of the factors adapted from the UTAUT on e-government adoption. Reliability test reported values of the various constructs vary between (0.74) and (0.91). The findings reveal that effort expectancy and social influences determine citizens’ behavioural intention towards e-government. Additionally, facilitating conditions and behavioural intention were found to determine citizens’ use of e-government services in Qatar. Implications for practice and research are discussed
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Disclosure measurement in the empirical accounting literature: A review article
This is the first study to provide an extensive and critical review of different
techniques used in the empirical accounting literature to measure disclosure. The
purpose is to help future researchers to identify exemplars and to select suitable
techniques or to develop their own techniques. It also provides in depth discussion of current measurement issues related to disclosure and identifies gaps in the current literature which future research may aim to cover
A contingency model of perceived effectiveness in accounting information systems: Organizational coordination and control effects
A contingency model is advanced that examines sources of requirements for organizational coordination and
control as they affect the extent of integration in an accounting information system. Requirements that are contingent
on the degree of organizational formalization, information interdependence among functional areas, and dependence
in interorganizational information sharing and electronic data interchange links, are examined. The congruence
or fit of system integration with those requirements is a key concept that influences beliefs about system
effectiveness. Results of the empirical study indicated that, as hypothesized, the fit between the accounting system
design and the contingency factors resulted in a more successful system. Specifically, system fit was a significant
factor that explained variations in perceived AIS effectiveness, as measured by decision makers’ perceived
satisfaction with the accuracy and monitoring effectiveness of output information. The effect of system fit on a
second factor of perceived AIS effectiveness, as measured by decision-makers’ satisfaction with the perceived
quality of information content in system outputs, was only marginally significant. The study addresses an important
area in accounting systems research that directly relates to the decision facilitation and control objectives of
accounting information. © 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved
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