Newton's article (2010) makes three main contributions to the literature. First, it is transatlantic, bringing together literatures that have been dealing with similar problems, using sometimes different methods and certainly with distinctive educational, cultural perspectives. He points out that neither of these literatures has all of the…

This paper describes four commonly used designs in equating test scores. These designs are: (1) single-group; (2) random-group; (3) equivalent-group; and (4) anchor-test. Each design requires that its data be collected according to specific guidelines. Three of the four methods are illustrated through hypothetical examples. All four methods try to…

The Non-Equivalent-groups Anchor Test (NEAT) design involves two populations, "P" and "Q," of test takes and makes use of an anchor test to link them. Two observed-score equating methods used for NEAT designs are those based on chain equating and those using the anchor to poststratify the distributions of the two operational…

The quality of nonequivalent group equating by the one-parameter hierarchical generalized linear logistic model (1-P HGLLM) was examined by comparing it with: (1) traditional concurrent equating; (2) Stocking-Lord's method; and (3) multiple-group concurrent equating. Root mean squared errors (RMSEs) for item parameters indicated that there was no…

The article "Thinking About Linking" by Newton (2010) presents a novel philosophical perspective on the way that educational assessments should be linked. Newton starts by describing the linking framework as it was characterized in various publications and identifies a cross-cultural dimension in the definitions and uses of test…

This paper describes an empirical evaluation of a Bayesian procedure for equating scores on test forms taken by small numbers of examinees, using collateral information from the equating of other test forms. In this procedure, a separate Bayesian estimate is derived for the equated score at each raw-score level, making it unnecessary to specify a…

In the nonequivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) design, there are several ways to use the information provided by the anchor in the equating process. One of the NEAT-design equating methods is the linear observed-score Levine method (Kolen & Brennan, 2004). It is based on a classical test theory model of the true scores on the test forms…

Combining diverse methods in a single study raises a problem: What should be done when the findings of one method of investigation conflict with those of another? The authors illustrate this problem using an example in which three study phases--quantitative, qualitative, and intervention--are applied. The findings from the quantitative phase did…

The Community College Student Report (CCSR) is a widely-used survey instrument. This article examines the reliability and validity of the instrument to assess its usefulness in institutional research and practice. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrate that factor analytic models adequately represent underlying constructs. Confirmatory factor…

This paper discusses the four major types of test equating: (1) mean; (2) linear; (3) equipercentile; and (4) item response theory. The single-group, equivalent-group, and anchor-test data collection designs are presented as methods used for test equating. Issues related to assumptions and equating error are also addressed. The advantages and…

Evaluated three types of multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) linking methods through two simulation studies. Results indicate that the best MIRT linking method was an unbiased, effective, and consistent estimator that produced accurate estimates of transformation parameters when errors in estimation of item parameters were manipulated…

Evaluated multidimensional linking procedures based on a framework recently proposed by T. Davey, T. Oshima, and K. Lee (1966): (1) the Direct method; (2) the Equated Function method; (3) the Test Characteristic Function method; and (4) the Item Characteristic Function method. Simulation results indicate advantages to the last two methods, but all…

This paper studies the relationship between abilities, schooling choices, and black-white differentials in labor market outcomes. The analysis is based on a model of endogenous schooling choices. Agents' schooling decisions are based on expected future earnings, family background, and unobserved abilities. Earnings are also determined by…

This manual was written to provide technical information regarding the 2002 Series GED (General Educational Development) Tests. Throughout this manual, documentation is provided regarding the development of the GED Tests, data collection activities, as well as reliability and validity evidence. The purpose of this manual is to provide evidence…