When no prior information of differential item functioning (DIF) exists for items in a test, either the rank-based or iterative purification procedure might be preferred. The rank-based purification selects anchor items based on a preliminary DIF test. For a preliminary DIF test, likelihood ratio test (LRT) based approaches (e.g.,…

This paper proposes an extension of linear equating that may be useful in one of two fairly common assessment scenarios. One is where different students have taken different combinations of test forms. This might occur, for example, where students have some free choice over the exam papers they take within a particular qualification. In this…

This study examined the widely used threshold of 0.2 for Yen's Q3, an index for violations of local independence. Specifically, a simulation was conducted to investigate whether Q3 values were related to the magnitude of bias in estimates of reliability, item parameters, and examinee ability. Results showed that Q3 values below the typical cut-off…

This study reviews existing research on the use of large language models (LLMs) for automatic item generation (AIG). We performed a comprehensive literature search across seven research databases, selected studies based on predefined criteria, and summarized 60 relevant studies that employed LLMs in the AIG process. We identified the most commonly…

The template-based automated item-generation (TAIG) approach that involves template creation, item generation, item selection, field-testing, and evaluation has more steps than the traditional item development method. Consequentially, there is more margin for error in this process, and any template errors can be cascaded to the generated items.…

This study presents several multivariate Generalizability theory designs for analyzing automatic item-generated (AIG) based test forms. The study used real data to illustrate the analysis procedure and discuss practical considerations. We collected the data from two groups of students, each group receiving a different form generated by AIG. A…

Limited research has explored the use of visual displays (ViDis) in science tests, making it challenging to know how these tests align with classroom instruction and what skills students need to be successful on these tests. Therefore, the current study aims to describe the use of ViDis in upper elementary grade standardized science tests. We…

Questioning plays a vital role in education, directing knowledge construction and assessing students' understanding. However, creating high-level questions requires significant creativity and effort. Automatic question generation is expected to facilitate the generation of not only fluent and relevant but also educationally valuable questions.…

Multiple-choice items are universally used in formal education. Since they should assess learning, not test-wiseness or guesswork, they must be constructed following the highest possible standards. Hundreds of item-writing guides have provided guidelines to help test developers adopt appropriate strategies to define the distribution and sequence…

Item parameter estimation using an item response theory (IRT) model with fixed ability estimates is useful in equating with small samples on anchor items. The current study explores the impact of three ability estimation methods (weighted likelihood estimation [WLE], maximum a posteriori [MAP], and posterior ability distribution estimation [PST])…

A recurring question regarding Likert items is whether the discrete steps that this response format allows represent constant increments along the underlying continuum. This question appears unsolvable because Likert responses carry no direct information to this effect. Yet, any item administered in Likert format can identically be administered…

Question generation (QG) task plays a crucial role in adaptive learning. While significant QG performance advancements are reported, the existing QG studies are still far from practical usage. One point that needs strengthening is to consider the generation of question group, which remains untouched. For forming a question group, intrafactors…

Multidimensional achievement tests are recently gaining more importance in educational and psychological measurements. For example, multidimensional diagnostic tests can help students to determine which particular domain of knowledge they need to improve for better performance. To estimate the characteristics of candidate items (calibration) for…

Combining methods from earlier content validity and more contemporary content alignment studies may allow a more complete evaluation of the meaning of test scores than if either set of methods is used on its own. This article distinguishes item relevance indices in the content validity literature from test representativeness indices in the…

This paper introduces an application of cross-classified item response theory (IRT) modeling to an assessment utilizing the embedded standard setting (ESS) method (Lewis & Cook). The cross-classified IRT model is used to treat both item and person effects as random, where the item effects are regressed on the target performance levels (target…