Introduction
The internet as a communication tool has made it possible to access information thus making it easier to work, learn, buy, sell and advertise online. For learning purposes, many educational institutions have introduced online learning through the e-learning program which enables students to undertake online tests and results forwarded via the same medium.
What it feels like taking internet tests
Taking tests online is a challenging task. The difference that exists between writing tests manually and taking a test online is the virtual aspect. In this respect, online tests can be very scary as most of them are given based on selected topics which selected randomly and are issued as soon as one accepts the terms of service. As soon as one accepts to undertake the tests, there is no time allowed for breaking as this will not be considered. With this in mind, one must come prepared and ready to sit for the test without interruptions.
Taking tests online requires courage and determination as instructions are given require one to have the ability to navigate from page to page in search of important information. This may lead to confusion if one has no idea of where to source information on the website. In my form, I have undertaken tests which were both related to the application for writing positions The tests are SDIS and involve speed and critical thinking which if not taken with the care of can lead to failure as the time given is little. The other test example is the IQ test which is also regarded as an aptitude test. This test requires one to be fast enough as numerous questions are asked and the time given is minimal. This causes distraction as most applicants tend to fumble thus ending up failing the tests miserably. In this case, my first application was turned down but by luck and commitment, I was able to pass on my second trial though through a different company. This brought me joy as I had little faith that internet tests were just a mere hoax. The IQ test was rather tricky but I managed to score averagely as my English level was superb – My score for this was 80%. This was encouraging though my SDIS test was confusing with very few minutes given to plan and write on a random topic of 150 words. Though having tried, I managed to pull a fair score of 25% and this was so disappointing.
What do the results say about you and if you agree with the results?
The results submitted over the internet are somehow demoralizing as most companies conduct their evaluation on a strict basis; an example is the tests given by online research companies. This is due to the number of applicants who apply; and for these companies to recruit the best candidates, the evaluation must be conducted thoroughly. In my experience, I experienced nervousness as the results given to me indicated that the company I first submitted my application to had declined my efforts to have the company hire me as a freelance writer. In my view, I consider this as unfair as the reason for the decline was on grammar which would just have been as a result of typographical errors. In this regard, some of the mistakes should be understood and taken into consideration. In another event, another research writing company took me through the same procedure in a bid to test my skills and knowledge of writing. This time through care and confidence, I took the tests; little did I know that I would not be considered at first, but after clarification of some information, the company was happy to hire me as a freelance writer by giving me a phone call which included some small interview.
Description of the tests stressing appropriate psychometric language
The norming group of the SDIS and IQ tests is based on the performance of applicants and is considered as the benchmark to which comparison is done on the norm reference list. This means that the tests are designed to focus on the applicants’ credibility and measure their knowledgeability. The IQ test is widely used and is intended to measure up knowledge, therefore, determining one’s ability. Both the validity of the test requires an applicant to be thorough and careful as these matters a lot on the validity of the tests. Less time is given to complete the test so this might be so stressful considering different candidates possess different levels of intelligence. Concerning this, the reliability of the tests is evident as it shows the applicant how much his/her skill is worth thus. Online speed tests which are intended to measure one’s level of IQ consider the tests reliable as not every candidate bears the same knowledge hence helping in the selection of the best applicant. However, if one takes the tests over and over, the reliability will mean that the applicant’s score will occur as a consistent result. In this regard, the SDIS and IQ tests achieve reliability by narrowly defining intelligence as an ability to solve analytical problems. These tests are good in that no possibility of bias exists in the judgments made.
Conclusion
Online tests can be advantageous as they are not time-consuming and are readily available. While undertaking the tests, one should devote him/herself and ensure that the tests are carefully done to prove the level of ability to the examiner.
References
Essay writers, n.d. Topic selection for online tests. Web.
Research writing Center, n.d. Phone Interview. Web.