The Computational Thinking Test (CT-test)

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Instrument Overview

Expert Notes AvailableView expert commentary on strengths and cautions for this instrument
Strengths

Systematically assesses a wide range of core computational thinking concepts (e.g., sequences, loops, conditionals, and functions) across progressively increasing difficulty levels, providing a comprehensive measure of students’ CT development.

Cautions

Uses multiple-choice, decontextualized tasks (e.g., maze or canvas problems), which may not fully capture how students apply computational thinking in authentic, open-ended coding or robotics activities.

The Computational Thinking Test (CT-test) is a multiple-choice assessment designed to measure students’ computational thinking skills across a range of core programming concepts in elementary and secondary educational contexts.The test evaluates several dimensions of computational thinking, including understanding of sequences, loops (both fixed and conditional), conditionals, and simple functions. Items are structured in increasing levels of difficulty and are presented in visual, block-based or arrow-based formats within coding environments such as mazes or canvas-style interfaces.

Tasks require students to engage in processes such as sequencing instructions, completing partial programs, and debugging errors. These item types are designed to capture how students apply logical reasoning and algorithmic thinking to solve problems.

Content

Grades
Kindergarten,
1st Grade,
2nd Grade,
3rd Grade,
4th Grade,
5th Grade,
6th Grade,
7th Grade,
8th Grade,
9th Grade,
10th Grade
Languages
English
Respondent
Student

Administration Information

Length
28 items (CT-test 2.0)
Administration
Computer

Access and Use

Developer
William H. Stewart; Youngkyun Baek; Gina Kwid; Kellie Taylor
Price

No fee

Contact

youngkyunbaek@boisestate.edu

Open Access
No

Psychometrics (additional guidance)

Psychometric References

Stewart, W. H., Baek, Y., Kwid, G., & Taylor, K. (2021). Exploring Factors That Influence Computational Thinking Skills in Elementary Students’ Collaborative Robotics. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 59(6), 1208-1239

Item Type
Open response