Use of Information Service's optical scanner can greatly speed the processing of data collected on NCS scan sheets and can drastically improve the accuracy of data transcription.

There are a few basic suggestions that those who wish to use the optical scanner for data collection should bear in mind: 

• Whenever possible, it is best to use one of the standard, supported scan sheet forms. Custom-designed forms will add extra time and cost to your project.
• Be sure to allow enough time for developing the questions and for collecting the data.
• Keep the questions simple. Try to avoid answers that respondents might find ambiguous or indistinct from each other.
• For large projects, consider running a small pilot project first. This allows you to locate and fix possible problems before the main projects gets too far underway.
• Control the data being entered on the sheets. Provide clear instructions and a proctor whenever possible to oversee the process. Make sure that a #2 lead pencil is used and that the response bubbles are completely filled. Stray marks must be erased before presenting the sheets for scanning, or the scanner may interpret smudges or stray marks as question responses.
• After the forms are completed, arrange all the forms such that they are aligned and facing the same direction.
• Protect the forms from dirt, water, high humidity, folding, tearing, etc. Folded, torn, or otherwise mutilated sheets may not be readable by the scanner.
• Allow enough time for the forms to be scanned. The scanner is used for many applications other than data scanning (test scoring, grade reporting, etc.) and some of these applications carry a high priority in the support of University business. Additionally, the staff that operate the scanner also operate other production computer equipment. It is recommended that you call 235-1491 well in advance of your deadline to verify availability and to establish a mutually acceptable schedule. 
• The result of scanning the sheets is a data file copied onto a diskette you provide and a standard report that gives basic statistical information. The raw data file can be used with statistical analysis or spreadsheet software to create a customized report. Customized reports are "NOT" part of the normal form scanning service. Please review your needs and options early in the project. If "custom" reports are required, then make sure that you have arranged for these at an early stage in the project.

Types of Scan Sheets

Orange Sheets (UMKC General Purpose -- Answer Sheets)

• Orange answer sheets have a maximum capacity for 200 questions and up to five answer choices per question.
• Students may suppress their identification number and score from appearing on a publicly viewed report by filling in the field provided on the answer sheet.

Green Sheets (NCS General Purpose -- Answer Sheets)

• Green answer sheets have a maximum capacity for 120 questions and up to ten answer choices per question.
• Students may suppress their identification number and score from appearing on a publicly viewed report by darkening in the bubble in the 10th position (column J) of the identification number.

Orange and Green sheets cannot be mixed.

Use of the General Purpose Answer Sheets 

Answer Key

Special Scoring Instructions

Additional scoring options:

• Multiple responses to a question can be accepted for full or partial credit.
• Questions can be skipped (not scored).
• Multiple responses for a question can be required for full credit (please contact the scanning office for details before giving the exam).

Please provide details in the Special Instructions section on your exam scan request form.

Student Responses

Name: The student name does not need to be filled in. If names are not used, unique ID numbers must be used for each student.

Identification Number: Exam sheets can be scored without ID numbers. The identification number must be unique for each answer sheet. In accordance to the Buckley Amendment of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, this value must not identify the specific student with any reasonable certainty. Information Services recommends a numbering system that is known only by the instructor and each individual student. Each column of the Identification Number section should be given a value. No two score sheets within a given test group can use the same identification number.

Test Answers: Unless otherwise specified in scoring instructions, only one answer per question may be selected. If more than one bubble is filled in, the question will be scored as incorrect.

Reports

Standard Reports

Additional Reports

The exam scoring software can be configured to provide many different types of reports. If you need exam information not provided in the standard reports, or reports in a different format, etc., please inquire at the Scanning Office.

Report Output 

Reports are available in printed and/or electronic format. Electronic files will be sent to your UMKC email address. 

If you have any questions pertaining to the test scanning/scoring process, please contact the Scanning Office at 235-1491 or via email.

NCS General Purpose Scan Sheet 120 Questions 10 Responses	UMKC General Purpose Scan Sheet 200 Questions 5 Responses

To order, please use the Scan Sheet Order Form. Complete instructions are provided on the form itself. 

Scanning of the completed sheets is done by Information Access Optical Scanning Services.