Disability laws such as the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 mandate equal access to academic programs, activities, and services for students with disabilities. Therefore, disability laws require that institutions of higher education offer students with learning disabilities (LD)…

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the efficiency, precision, and validity of computerized adaptive testing (CAT) could be improved by assessing confidence differences in knowledge that examinees possessed. We proposed a novel polytomous CAT model called the confidence-weighting computerized adaptive testing (CWCAT), which combined a…

The purpose of this Monte Carlo study was to evaluate the relative accuracy of T. Warm's weighted likelihood estimate (WLE) compared to maximum likelihood estimate (MLE), expected a posteriori estimate (EAP), and maximum a posteriori estimate (MAP), using the generalized partial credit model (GPCM) and graded response model (GRM) under a variety…

Studied the impact of using five different exposure control algorithms in two sizes of item pool calibrated using the generalized partial credit model. Simulation results show that the a-stratified design, in comparison to a no-exposure control condition, could be used to reduce item exposure and overlap and increase pool use, while degrading…

Proposes two new methods for item-exposure control, the Progressive method and the Restricted Maximum Information method. Compares both methods with six other item-selection methods. Discusses advantages of the two new methods and the usefulness of combining them. (SLD)

Used Monte Carlo simulation to compare the relative measurement efficiency of polytomous modeling and dichotomous modeling under different scoring schemes and termination criteria. Results suggest that polytomous computerized adaptive testing (CAT) yields marginal gains over dichotomous CAT when termination criteria are more stringent. Discusses…

A study evaluated comparatively the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) Interactive Test and Advantage Learning Systems' STAR Reading Computer-Adaptive Standardized Test. Due to the different methods used for collecting and calculating norm-referenced scores in the two tests, scale score measures of reading performance were used for the comparative…

Two item selection algorithms, one based on maximal differentiation between examinees and one based on item response theory and maximum information for each examinee, were compared in simulated linear and adaptive tests of cognitive ability. Adaptive tests based on maximum information were clearly superior. (SLD)

Studied the cross-mode equivalence of paper-and-pencil and computer-based clerical tests with 141 undergraduates. Found no differences across modes for the two types of tests. Differences can be minimized when speeded computerized tests follow the same administration and response procedures as the paper format. (SLD)

A simulation study was conducted to investigate the application of expected a posteriori (EAP) trait estimation in computerized adaptive tests (CAT) based on the partial credit model and compare it with maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). Results show the conditions under which EAP and MLE provide relatively accurate estimation in CAT. (SLD)

In a randomized experiment (n = 515), a computerized and a computerized adaptive test (CAT) are compared. The item pool consists of 24 polytomous motivation items. Although items are carefully selected, calibration data show that Samejima's graded response model did not fit the data optimally. A simulation study is done to assess possible…

This simulation investigated two procedures that reduce differences between paper-and-pencil testing and computerized adaptive testing (CAT) by making CAT content sensitive. Results indicate that the price in terms of additional test items of using constrained CAT for content balancing is much smaller than that of using testlets. (SLD)

Investigated three models that permit restricted examinee control over revising previous answers in the context of adaptive testing, using simulation. Two models permitting item revisions worked well in preserving test fairness and accuracy, and one model may preserve some cognitive processing styles developed by examinees for a linear testing…

The average Kullback-Keibler (K-L) information index (H. Chang and Z. Ying, in press) is a newly proposed statistic in Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) item selection based on the global information function. The objectives of this study were to improve understanding of the K-L index with various parameters and to compare the performance of the…

Presents two studies applying computerized adaptive testing (CAT) in schools. Compared paper-administered, computer-administered, and CAT modes for administering school achievement and assessment tests. Then compared computerized adaptive aptitude test results with individually administered Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised. Found…