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ERIC Number: ED665570
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 386
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-5699-5368-4
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Examination of the Psychometric Quality of the Common Educational Proficiency Assessment (CEPA)-English Test
Salma A. Daiban
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh
The CEPA-English test is used for achievement, selection, and placement purposes. Since this test has heavily influences student's academic futures, it is imperative to ensure that the test functions as intended and provides meaningful results. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the technical quality of the CEPA-English test in relation to Forms A and B. This study evaluated (1) the psychometric properties of the CEPA-English test, (2) the extent to which DIF occurs, (3) the comparability of Forms A and B, and (4) the amount of information provided at the cutoff score of 150, which is the mean of the test in the NAPO study. The study sample included 9,496 students for Form A and 9,296 for Form B, taken from the 2007 administration. The results for both Forms A and B test data revealed that the unidimensional 3PL IRT model provided a better fit at both item and test levels than the 1PL or 2PL models and the assumptions of the 3PL model were met. However, the property of invariance of item parameters was not strictly met for Form A and to some extent for Form B. Overall, the analyses revealed that the CEPA-English test demonstrated good psychometric properties, since in both forms, the majority of the items were of moderate difficulty. In addition, items moderately discriminated between high-performing and low-performing students, and both forms showed a high internal reliability. Yet, it was also found that the test could be improved by eliminating items with negative discrimination and adding easier items to gain more precise information at the cutoff score of 150. In addition, the test developer may want to evaluate items that misfit the 3PL model. Finally, while DIF items were detected between males and females, and between Arts and Sciences students, nevertheless a significant proportion of DIF items were flagged by school type, which may indicate curriculum differences across private, public, and home schools. Therefore, the test developer could evaluate items with a medium and large DIF to determine whether to revise or eliminate them from Forms A and B of the CEPA-English test. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Grade 12; High Schools; Secondary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Arab Emirates
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A