This paper takes on a list of the 10 most wanted test cheaters comparable with 'most wanted' lists used by law enforcement agencies to bring attention to the issue of test cheating in medical education. The research provides an overview of test cheating in modern medical education, presents a typology of common cheaters, and provides guidelines for the prevention and detection of cheating.
Recent developments in the United States regarding the promotion of high standards for test use are described. Four areas are covered: the development of testing standards, qualifications to purchase and use tests, educating test users, and developments to watch (computer-based testing and performance testing). It is argued that at the same time as we are opening the way to improved testing through innovative applications of computer technology and performance assessments, there are economic forces that have the potential to undermine our basic standards. Each of the professionals in the field of testing must contribute their talent to upholding high standards to that test takers derive the benefits that come from the productive use of tests.
The current study demonstrates the potential usefulness of the computer as a tool for an item writer. A spelling item type was used for this demonstration, as it seemed to have the fewest facets or dimensions. An analysis was then made of the types of misspellings which are used by writers of spelling items. A set of errorgeneration rules was developed and a computer program, The MISSPELLER, was written. A sample of words was fed into the computer and a list of misspelled words, separated into previously defined error categories, was created. The list was then evaluated by spelling-test developers and judged to be a useful resource.
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