I also did research into the computerized version of the test and how it differs from the paper. Here is what I found out from ETS. Computer vs. Paper 1. The computer test is adaptive - while the paper test is linear (more on the adaptive part later). 2. There are approximately 93 questions given on the computer test (1 section of each), 186 questions on the paper (2 sections of each). 3. You have a bit more time on average for the computer (1.5 min. per question) as compared to the 1 minute on the paper. 4. The computer allows you to see your scores when finished - a lot more quickly than the paper. 5. On the computer, you can�t change answer once confirmed - means that the technique we have always been taught of skip questions you don�t know and go back to them later is NOT a good strategy. Last general paper test: April 1999 The computer version is given Sept. - Feb. - 1st 3 weeks of the month, Mar-Aug - 1st 2 weeks of the month You can also take it either in the morning OR the afternoon and can change dates relatively easily without penalty. You can take every 60 days. Adaptive Test The selection of questions not made in advance, rather while examinee takes test. The 1st question - medium difficulty. Computer Algorithm selects questions based on: 1. Difficulty level of preceding questions 2. 2. Whether those questions were answered correctly or incorrectly 3. 3. Coverage of specific content 4. Required variety of question types GRE Score is based on the following: 1. Total number of questions answered 2. Number of questions answered correctly 3. Difficulty level of questions answered Therefore, two people who complete test and have same number of correct responses - person who answers more difficult questions generally receives higher score Deb Deborah S. Briihl, Ph.D. Dept. of Psychology and Counseling Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA 31698 (912) 333-5994
