The problem of predicting universe scores for samples of examinees based on their responses to samples of items is treated. The measurement model categorizes items according to the cells of a table of test specifications, and the linear function derived for minimizing error variance in prediction uses responses to these categories. (Author/JKS)

Empirical results are presented as regards the implementation of a latent-trait psychometric model by means of conditional maximum likelihood estimation. Items are scored polychotomously into varying numbers of nominal categories and the test and item characteristic curves and information functions are examined. It is concluded that scoring items…