In large-scale educational assessment data consistent with a simple-structure multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) model, where every item measures only one latent variable, separate unidimensional item response theory (UIRT) models for each latent variable are often calibrated for practical reasons. While this approach can be valid for…

Reviewed methods of estimating theta suitable for computerized adaptive testing (CAT) and discussed the differences between Fisher and Kullback-Leibler information criteria for selecting items. Examined the accuracy of different CAT algorithms using samples from the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Results show when correcting for…

If examinees are permitted to choose to answer a subset of the questions on a test, just knowing which questions were chosen can provide a measure of proficiency that may be as reliable as would have been obtained from the test graded traditionally. This new method of scoring is much less time consuming and expensive for both the examinee and the…

A conceptual framework and heuristic model for considering the existence, magnitude, and consequences of context effects are presented through an extension of some generalizability theory concepts. Context effects are often misunderstood, and current measurement models have serious limitations for examining them. Their importance needs to be…

This report examines the potential of adaptive testing, two?-stage testing in particular, for improving the data quality of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Following a discussion of the rationale for adaptive testing in assessment and a review of previous studies of two-?stage testing, this report describes a 1993 Ohio…

This paper reviews the salient characteristics of the current inventory of large-scale achievement tests, analyzes two recent proposals for creating a national testing program, and describes a new approach to statewide and nationwide testing that RAND is examining. Section 2 discusses the criteria typically used for evaluating large-scale testing…

Four researchers at the Educational Testing Service describe what they consider some of the most vexing research problems they face. While these problems are not completely statistical, they all have major statistical components. Following the introduction (section 1), in section 2, "Problems with the Simultaneous Estimation of Many True…