Social sciences vs. pure sciences: gender-wise perceptions of students about computer-based examinations

A survey based study was aimed to measure the gender-wise attitudinal differences among 1877 students of 8 different universities from pure and social science faculties, regarding online system of examinations. Therefore, a questionnaire based on 5-point rating scale was designed. This questionnaire was responded by 1877 students, out of which 1052 have already attempted papers online in different forms i.e. MS Certification, online GRE test, online IELTS and so on. An overwhelming majority (81% - 90%) of the sampled students expressed that online system of examinations are interesting because it improves their grades, results are unbiased, saves their time, supports to understand the national and international universities pattern of examinations and secure. Besides of these, a good majority (71% - 80%) of sampled students also expressed that computer systems may affect thinking potential during exam and online examinations overburden learning process; therefore, should be avoided. Overall female students and students from pure sciences disciplines were found to be more interested in online system of examinations. Significant attitudinal differences were found in the group of female students from Social Sciences and Pure Sciences.