What do test developers at SCHUHFRIED mostly do?
Felix: Our development teams are highly interdisciplinary. That means we work closely with programmers, software testers and translators. After all, a good test requires experts from many different fields.
Georg: At SCHUHFRIED, we only develop digital tests. While we as test developers are primarily concerned with literature research, data analysis and writing test items, experienced programmers are needed for the technical implementation on various platforms. For some time, our tests have not only been used on computers, but also, increasingly on cell phones, or fully integrated into our clients’ software environments.
Felix: One of the things I’m currently working on is the implementation of a comparatively new answer format for personality tests. Instead of the Likert scale commonly used in questionnaires, we will implement a forced-choice response format. This requires writing several dozen items. You might imagine formulating these items would be easy but it can be a long haul and be quite complicated. After all, the desired facet should be spotted. It is important that the formulations sound good, are easy to understand and are unambiguous. We also must ensure good translatability for our international customers.
Of course, it’s not just a matter of developing the items; the test items and the scoring also must be programmed. For the forced-choice answer format, we are at the forefront when it comes to the practical application of new scoring algorithms. I am currently working intensively with a programmer to anchor the new algorithm for our customers in the Vienna Test System (VTS) so that our users have a reliable and valid test to utilize.
Georg: SCHUHFRIED is certified according to ISO standard 13485 and employs a comprehensive quality management system. Therefore, an independent team of software testers gives the test a run-through. Their feedback helps us to finalize the test for the release.