Validation of an Internet delivered and analysed test of cognitive function for use in web based psychology courses

Abstract

In this study we investigated the use of Internet technologies for administering and analysing a test of cognitive function in a web based psychology course. The aim was to determine whether the cognitive test actually measured the same functions when administered in three different settings: a supervised university based laboratory , an unsupervised university based laboratory, and a remote (or off campus) setting. Results showed that the different data collection processes generated similar data sets: the profile of responses over the four different tests of cognitive function were preserved across the different assessment settings, and improvements that occurred with practice were also consistent. Thus, the dataset can be used confidently to model key psychological principles, despite the added experimental noise created by having participants sit the tests in different settings, using different computers. The present findings highlight the potential use of web based technologies for delivering laboratory experiments in core psychology courses.