One of the major theoretical and practical developments in testing is latent trait analysis and item response theory. This report provides a guide for practitioners in understanding, evaluating, and using these developments to meet their testing needs. (Author)

The purposes of this paper are five-fold to discuss: (1) when item response theory (IRT) equating methods should provide better results than traditional methods; (2) which IRT model, the three-parameter logistic or the one-parameter logistic (Rasch), is the most reasonable to use; (3) what unique contributions IRT methods can offer the equating…

An extension of the discussion of loglinear models presents post hoc procedures for statistically evaluating treatment effects, contrasts, and confidence intervals, illustrating methods for main effect and interaction contrasts and paying special attention to odds ratios and their interval estimates. Procedures for treating variables as…

A general model along with four illustrations is presented for the consideration of budgetary constraints in the setting of passing scores in instructional programs involving remedial action for poor test performers. Budgetary constraints normally put an upper limit on any choice of passing score. Given relevant information, this limit may be…

Several methods of assessing test item bias are described, and the concept of fair use of tests is examined. A test item is biased if individuals of equal ability have different probabilities of attaining the item correct. The following seven general procedures used to examine test items for bias are summarized and discussed: (1) analysis of…

Quantitative growth curve models for estimating individual developmental functions from various types of longitudinal data are discussed in the context of investigator assumptions and research design characteristics. Linear and nonlinear models that estimate growth curves are illustrated, and contrasted when they are fit to speech development…

Develops procedures for the automatic generation and incorporation of graphics (both statistical and analytical) into mathematically oriented multiple choice examinations. Uses an integrated spreadsheet to create and associate tabular data, diagrams, questions, and answers. Illustrates the process of constructing multiple choice questions and…

Greater knowledge about the practical application of Rasch technology can help in avoiding misapplications and confusions in testing programs. Equal interval curriculum-based scaling makes possible the following improvements in measuring basic skills achievement by enabling testing programs to: (1) individualize the difficulty level of…