ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the use of simulations in assessment. It begins with an introduction that provides examples of the range of computer simulation systems that have been developed. The chapter considers issues relevant to producing scores on simulation-based assessments. It examines validity issues for simulation-based assessment, and explains some of the practical issues related to developing and administering simulations for assessment. One of the best known simulation-based assessments is the patient-management simulation assessment used as part of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Although the focus of the chapter is on computer-based simulations used in assessment, significant work has been devoted to the development of immersive high-fidelity simulations for use in professional training contexts. Packet Tracer is a computer networking simulation developed by Cisco Systems for both training and low-stakes summative assessment. Prior to the development of Packet Tracer, Cisco developed a prototype known as NetPASS. NetPASS is used as an elaborate scoring system based on Bayesian networks.
