Cognitive / non-cognitive ability analysis engine

1. A computer implemented method for analyzing user performance data from multiple sources, and for providing evaluation and feedback regarding user performance, the method comprising:

receiving performance data for evaluating the user with a computer, the performance data resulting from the user performing a first task for evaluating a cognitive ability of the user and a second, different task for evaluating a non-cognitive ability of the user;

analyzing the performance data with the computer using mathematical models related to the first and second tasks;

wherein the analyzing performance data comprises:

identifying construct models as the mathematical models related to the first and second tasks;

identifying model-specific evaluation functions for each of the construct models;

transforming the performance data onto score scales using the model-specific evaluation functions, resulting in model-specific scaled score data;

transforming the model-specific scored scaled data and previously stored model-specific scaled score data into construct-level scores;

identifying score scale partition categories based on the construct-level scores;

retrieving category-specific diagnostic feedback based on the identified score scale partition categories;

generating an evaluation and diagnostic feedback with the computer based upon the analyzing;

generating a report regarding user performance using the diagnostic feedback and the evaluation; and

transmitting the report.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein each construct model corresponds to a construct representing at least one cognitive or non-cognitive ability.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein user-generated performance data corresponding to a construct is assigned one or more values and the one or more values are combined in a mathematical fashion.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the one or more values are mathematically mapped to one or more score scales corresponding to skill levels in one or more constructs.

5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the construct represents the user's ability to concentrate, goal-setting ability, organization ability, knowledge of computers, sports ability, housekeeping ability, games ability, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, temperament, or openness to experience.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first task measures mathematical ability or content knowledge of the user.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the second task measures conscientiousness or test anxiety of the user.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein separate mathematical models exist for users of different scholastic stages.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the user performs the first and second tasks by connecting to a web server that serves static HTML content, dynamic Java/JSP web pages, and Flash-based content.

10. A system for analyzing user performance data from multiple sources and for providing evaluation and feedback regarding user performance, comprising:

a computer; and

a database,

wherein the computer is programmed for executing steps comprising:

receiving performance data for evaluating the user with a computer, the performance data resulting from the user performing a first task for evaluating a cognitive ability of the user and a second, different task for evaluating a non-cognitive ability of the user;

analyzing the performance data with the computer using mathematical models related to the first and second tasks;

wherein the analyzing performance data comprises:

identifying construct models as the mathematical models related to the first and second tasks;

identifying model-specific evaluation functions for each of the construct models;

transforming the performance data onto score scales using the model-specific evaluation functions, resulting in model-specific scaled score data;

transforming the model-specific scored scaled data and previously stored model-specific scaled score data into construct-level scores;

identifying score scale partition categories based on the construct-level scores;

retrieving category-specific diagnostic feedback based on the identified score scale partition categories;

generating an evaluation and diagnostic feedback with the computer based upon the analyzing;

generating a report regarding user performance using the diagnostic feedback and the evaluation; and

transmitting the report.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein each construct model corresponds to a construct representing at least one cognitive or non-cognitive ability.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein user-generated performance data corresponding to a construct is assigned one or more values and the one or more values are combined in a mathematical fashion.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the one or more values are mathematically mapped to one or more score scales corresponding to skill levels in one or more constructs.

14. The system of claim 11 , wherein the construct represents the user's ability to concentrate, goal-setting ability, organization ability, knowledge of computers, sports ability, housekeeping ability, games ability, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, temperament, or openness to experience.

15. The system of claim 10 , wherein the first task measures mathematical ability or content knowledge of the user.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the second task measures conscientiousness or test anxiety of the user.

17. The system of claim 10 , wherein separate mathematical models exist for users of different scholastic stages.

18. The system of claim 10 , wherein the user performs the first and second tasks by connecting to a web server that serves static HTML content, dynamic Java/JSP web pages, and Flash-based content.