Patent ID: 7904017

Claim:
A method of analyzing skill level of a user solving formula-based multi-step problems, including the steps of: a) creating a test including at least one formula-based multi-step problem for which a correct answer to at least one step can be obtained in at least one way by a calculation that uses an answer to at least one prior step; b) providing memory means for: i) storing said at least one problem; ii) storing formulas for said at least one way to calculate a correct answer to said at least one step using said answer to said at least one prior step; iii) storing data to enable and facilitate assessment of correctness of sets of submitted answers to any or all problem steps; and iv) storing grading result data that enables assessment of said skill level; c) providing a computer program capable of using said stored formulas to grade said sets of submitted answers by said user and storing said skill-level assessment data; d) providing a user interface with selective access to said memory means and said computer program; e) providing a global computer network with which said user interface can be connected to said memory means and said computer program; f) administering said test using said memory means, said computer program, said user interface and said global computer network, said administering step including the steps of: i) requiring said user to submit, possibly repeatedly, sets of submitted answers into said user interface, said sets of submitted answers including at least one answer to said at least one step to solve said at least one problem; ii) grading said sets of submitted answers to said at least one problem, said grading including use of said stored formulas to analyze said sets of submitted answers and said calculations or processes employed in arriving at said sets of submitted answers; and iii) from said analysis, storing data that can be used to assess said skill level.