Abstract: A method for adaptive scoring of responses to constructed response questions is disclosed. Adaptive scoring may be used to apply evaluator time in such a way that a predetermined reliability level is reached with the least possible use of evaluator time, including adjusting the number of response graded and/or the number of evaluators grading each response. A score may be calculated after grading a subset of a test taker's responses to the constructed response questions. A probability or an error estimate is calculated and compared to a threshold value. Grading may be discontinued based on the comparison. A score may be calculated based on a predetermined number of ratings for the test taker's response to a constructed response. A probability that the score is within a predetermined range of what the score would be if all the responses are graded is calculated. If the probability is less than a threshold value, the number of ratings is increased.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring reading skills is described. An individual whose reading skills are to be evaluated reads aloud from a text. As the person reads aloud from the text, a speech signal is captured. The speech signal is analyzed to provide an estimate of what the individual said and to measure a timing of the words said. The estimate and timing is combined with parameters assigned to each word said to form a measure of the individual's reading skill. The measure of the individual's reading skill is substantially independent of the text.

Abstract: A method for adaptive scoring of responses to constructed response questions is disclosed. Adaptive scoring may be used to apply evaluator time in such a way that a predetermined reliability level is reached with the least possible use of evaluator time, including adjusting the number of response graded and/or the number of evaluators grading each response. A score may be calculated after grading a subset of a test taker's responses to the constructed response questions. A probability or an error estimate is calculated and compared to a threshold value. Grading may be discontinued based on the comparison. A score may be calculated based on a predetermined number of ratings for the test taker's response to a constructed response. A probability that the score is within a predetermined range of what the score would be if all the responses are graded is calculated. If the probability is less than a threshold value, the number of ratings is increased.

Abstract: An intelligibility measuring system provides a system and method of evaluating intelligibility of a speaker. Intelligibility may be a function of the speaker's pronunciation of words, material being spoken, context in which words are spoken, and skill of a listener. The speaker repeats items. The items may be words or combination of words. The listener hears the speaker articulating items and a transcription is created to document what the listener heard. A measurement unit determines an error count based on a comparison of the items and the transcription. An intelligibility score is then determined using the error count, difficulty level of the items, and ability of the listener.

Abstract: In the method of the present invention a purchaser of goods uses a client computer to order goods from a site hosted by a host computer. The host computer is linked to a payment processing computer. In the method the host computer sends to the payment processing computer an identifier identifying a classification of the ordered goods. The client computer also sends an identifier to the payment processor computer. The payment processor compares the identifiers to determine whether the purchaser is authorised to purchase the ordered goods having regard to the classification of the goods.