Iranian Attitudes and Test Mode Preference: Factors Contributing to the Acceptance of Computerized Test

Abstract

This article explores the probable relationship between the attitude towards the use of computer and test performance on Computer-Based-Tests (CBT) among Iranian university English as foreign language (EFL) learners and comparing the results of CBT and Paper-and-Pencil Test (PPT). Analyzing data from test results and follow up interviews, this study revealed that test takers showed a high positive attitude and preference towards the use of computer and computerized tests. This study adapted a mixed-method approach. A sample of 202 Iranian EFL learners participated in the study given two equivalent English proficiency tests in computerized and paper and pencil types. Using paired-sample t-test, correlational analysis, and ANOVA, the findings of this study indicated that Iranian test takers had overall positive attitudes towards computerized tests with higher scores on paper and pencil tests. The qualitative analysis showed that they mostly preferred computerized test believing that it largely reflected their overall English knowledge. In addition, it was found that test takers did better on PPT because they believed that this type of testing was more familiar and less threatening for students. The findings of this study have implications for test developers and curriculum providers in the light of further improvement and promotion of test and the process of test administration.