Psychologists are emphasizing the importance of predictive conclusions. Machine learning methods, such as supervised neural networks, have been used in psychological studies as they naturally fit prediction tasks. However, we are concerned about whether neural networks fitted with random datasets (i.e., datasets where there is no relationship…

This article presents some equivalent forms of the common Kuder-Richardson Formula 21 and 20 estimators for nondichotomous data belonging to certain other exponential families, such as Poisson count data, exponential data, or geometric counts of trials until failure. Using the generalized framework of Foster (2020), an equation for the reliability…

The population discrepancy between unstandardized and standardized reliability of homogeneous multicomponent measuring instruments is examined. Within a latent variable modeling framework, it is shown that the standardized reliability coefficient for unidimensional scales can be markedly higher than the corresponding unstandardized reliability…

The use of discrete categorical formats to assess psychological traits has a long-standing tradition that is deeply embedded in item response theory models. The increasing prevalence and endorsement of computer- or web-based testing has led to greater focus on continuous response formats, which offer numerous advantages in both respondent…

To mitigate the potential damaging consequences of rapid guessing (RG), a form of noneffortful responding, researchers have proposed a number of scoring approaches. The present simulation study examines the robustness of the most popular of these approaches, the unidimensional effort-moderated (EM) scoring procedure, to multidimensional RG (i.e.,…

Setting cutoff scores is one of the most common practices when using scales to aid in classification purposes. This process is usually done univariately where each optimal cutoff value is decided sequentially, subscale by subscale. While it is widely known that this process necessarily reduces the probability of "passing" such a test,…

Item response tree (IRTree) models are a flexible framework to control self-reported trait measurements for response styles. To this end, IRTree models decompose the responses to rating items into sub-decisions, which are assumed to be made on the basis of either the trait being measured or a response style, whereby the effects of such person…

This article extends multivariate generalizability theory (MGT) to tests with different random-effects designs for each level of a fixed facet. There are numerous situations in which the design of a test and the resulting data structure are not definable by a single design. One example is mixed-format tests that are composed of multiple-choice and…

The costs of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) are of concern to health profession educators globally. As OSCEs are usually designed under generalizability theory (G-theory) framework, this article proposes a machine-learning-based approach to optimize the costs, while maintaining the minimum required generalizability…

Forced-choice questionnaires can prevent faking and other response biases typically associated with rating scales. However, the derived trait scores are often unreliable and ipsative, making interindividual comparisons in high-stakes situations impossible. Several studies suggest that these problems vanish if the number of measured traits is high.…

An essential question when computing test--retest and alternate forms reliability coefficients is how many days there should be between tests. This article uses data from reading and math computerized adaptive tests to explore how the number of days between tests impacts alternate forms reliability coefficients. Results suggest that the highest…

We examined the performance of coefficient alpha and its potential competitors (ordinal alpha, omega total, Revelle's omega total [omega RT], omega hierarchical [omega h], greatest lower bound [GLB], and coefficient "H") with continuous and discrete data having different types of non-normality. Results showed the estimation bias was…

This study develops a theoretical model for the costs of an exam as a function of its duration. Two kind of costs are distinguished: (1) the costs of measurement errors and (2) the costs of the measurement. Both costs are expressed in time of the student. Based on a classical test theory model, enriched with assumptions on the context, the costs…

Test fairness is critical to the validity of group comparisons involving gender, ethnicities, culture, or treatment conditions. Detection of differential item functioning (DIF) is one component of efforts to ensure test fairness. The current study compared four treatments for items that have been identified as showing DIF: deleting, ignoring,…

When cognitive and educational tests are administered under time limits, tests may become speeded and this may affect the reliability and validity of the resulting test scores. Prior research has shown that time limits may create or enlarge gender gaps in cognitive and academic testing. On average, women complete fewer items than men when a test…