Describes a procedure for automated-test-forms assembly based on Classical Test Theory (CTT). The procedure uses stratified random-content sampling and test-form preequating to ensure both content and psychometric equivalence in generating virtually unlimited parallel forms. Extends the usefulness of CTT in automated test construction. (Author/SLD)

Suggests that a modification of traditional linking is necessary when tests consist of constructed response items judged by raters and a possibility of year-to-year variation in rating discrimination and severity exists. Illustrates this situation with an artificial example. (SLD)

Discusses some practical issues in linking educational assessments, focusing on the importance of clarity of purpose when assessments are linked. Also stresses the importance of the design used to collect data for linking. Uses linking studies from a variety of situations to illustrate these points. (SLD)

Presents an overview of linking methods applied to performance assessment and discusses major issues and recent developments in linking performance assessments. Compares three common linking designs and two major linking methodologies (classical and item response theory (IRT)). Describes two classical equating methods and several IRT equating…

Studied the error associated with a proposed linking method for tests consisting of both constructed response and multiple choice items through a simulation study varying several factors. Results support the use of the proposed linking method. Also illustrated possible linking bias resulting from use of the traditional linking method and the use…

The minimum chi-square method for computing equating coefficients for tests with dichotomously scored items was extended to the case of F. Samejima's graded response model. When compared with the test response function method, the minimum chi-square method was less demanding computationally and yielded similar equating coefficients. (SLD)

Presents a constrained computerized adaptive testing (CAT) algorithm that can be used to equate CAT number-correct scores to a reference test. Used an item bank from the Law School Admission Test to compare results of the algorithm with those for equipercentile observed-score equating. Discusses advantages of the approach. (SLD)

Derived simplified equations to compute the standard error of the frequency estimation method for equating score distributions that are continuized using a uniform or Gaussian kernel function. Results from two empirical studies indicate that these equations work reasonably well for moderate size samples. (SLD)

This study investigated the effectiveness of equating with very small samples using the random groups design. Of particular interest was equating accuracy at specific scores where performance standards might be set. Two sets of simulations were carried out, one in which the two forms were identical and one in which they differed by a tenth of a…

There is significant potential for error in long production processes that consist of sequential stages, each of which is heavily dependent on the previous stage, such as the SER (Scoring, Equating, and Reporting) process. Quality control procedures are required in order to monitor this process and to reduce the number of mistakes to a minimum. In…

The two purposes of this paper are to provide a SAS IML macro that performs loglinear smoothing and to apply this macro to loglinear smoothing problems that have not been extensively discussed in the test-equating literature. The SAS macro is demonstrated on univariate, bivariate, and trivariate smoothing problems. The univariate and bivariate…

The feasibility of using linear and equipercentile equating methods (W. H. Angoff, 1984) to equate forms of the Test of Written English (TWE) by using the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as an anchor was explored. These two equating methods assume that either the TOEFL test and TWE test measure the same skills or that the examinee…

A procedure for checking the score equivalence of nearly identical editions of a test is described. The procedure employs the standard error of equating (SEE) and utilizes graphical representation of score conversion deviation from the identity function in standard error units. Two illustrations of the procedure involving Scholastic Aptitude Test…

Item response models can be applied in many test equating situations by making strong statistical assumptions. Thus, studying the robustness of the models to violations of the assumptions and investigating model-data fit are essential in all item response theory (IRT) equating applications (M. Kolen and R. Brennan, 1995). Previous studies dealing…

Equating a test form to itself through a chain of equatings, commonly referred to as circular equating, has been widely used as a criterion to evaluate the adequacy of equating. This paper uses both analytical methods and simulation methods to show that this criterion is in general invalid in serving this purpose. For the random groups design done…