Punching Multiresponse Questions with the IBM 1230 Optical Mark Scoring Reader: a Procedure and An IBM 1620 SPS Computer Program

Abstract

EDUCATIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMFNT 1966, 26, 739-742. UNDER ordinary circumstances tests or questionnaires requiring more than one response at the same time to a given question cannot be punched by the IBM 1230 Optical Mark Scoring Reader-534 Key Punch System. The 1230 reads across the answer sheet by looking at ten response positions in a line on the left and by then following the same procedure on the right. When responses are to be punched for a test item analysis or for a questionnaire, the machine does not punch less than the ten positions at one time. If more than one mark occurs in each set of ten positions, a multipunch results. If there are more than three marks to the set, a &dquo;12&dquo; punch results when the 534 Key Punch is programmed with a &dquo;2&dquo; punch in the drum card for the column to be punched. The same outcome results if there are more than two when the &dquo;3&dquo; (alphameric) punch is used on the drum.However, an answer sheet or questionnaire with more than one possible response per five choice question can be punched. As one faces the side of the IBM 1230 with the operating dials and switches, a panel door on the right side can be seen. When it is opened, a panel of twenty-one numbered buttons with inserts for a screw driver is visible. The buttons are used to change the brightness of the light bulbs that shoot light to the passing answer sheet for reflection back to the photoelectric cells. If the buttons are turned clockwise, the lights get brighter. If turned counterclockwise, the lights get dimmer. (Before turning any of these buttons,