This paper describes and illustrates a method for equating examinations with multiple facets (i.e., items, examinees, judges, tasks, and rating scales). The data are from the practical section of two histotechnology certification examinations. The first practical examination involved 210 examinees, 14 judges, 15 slides, 3 tasks, and 2 rating…

The equating of scores on alternate forms of different achievement tests through the use of the three-parameter latent trait model, item-response theory (IRT) equating, was compared with the results of score equatings based on conventional linear and curvilinear equating models. Ten equatings were completed for pairs of alternate forms of the…

The purposes of this paper are five-fold to discuss: (1) when item response theory (IRT) equating methods should provide better results than traditional methods; (2) which IRT model, the three-parameter logistic or the one-parameter logistic (Rasch), is the most reasonable to use; (3) what unique contributions IRT methods can offer the equating…

Based on the experiences of four equating studies conducted by the Austin (Texas) Independent School District, a practical "cookbook" approach to test equating is presented. Three types of equating procedures are discussed: choosing a cutoff score on a new instrument, predicting Y from X, and symmetric equating of X and Y. (BW)

This paper presents the characteristics, properties and development of the National Reference Scale for reading. This new scale is the result of a reanalysis of the Anchor Test Study data using Rasch model procedures, in an effort to produce equated scores among all reading tests included in that study. (Author/JKS)

The primary objective of this study was to find the smallest sample size for which equating based on a random groups design could be expected to result in less overall equating error than had no equating been conducted. Mean, linear, and equipercentile equating methods were considered. Some of the analyses presented in this paper assumed that the…

Recent years have seen growing use of tests with mixed item formats, e.g., partly containing dichotomously scored items and partly consisting of polytomously scored items. A matching two test characteristic curves method (CCM) for placing these mixed format items on the same metric is described and evaluated in this paper under a common-item…

Scores on the multiple-choice sections of alternate forms are equated through anchor-test equating for the Advanced Placement Program (AP) examinations. There is no linkage of free-response sections since different free-response items are given yearly. However, the free-response and multiple-choice sections are combined to produce a composite.…

Two tests were created from a standardized reading achievement test and vertically equated using a sample of third and fourth grade students. Based on differences in ability estimates for the same student, the Rasch model did not provide a satisfactory means of vertical equating. (Author/CM)

Graduate Record Examination and Miller Analogies Test scores were equated using linear transformation and regression methods. Standard deviations of regression equivalence scores were consistently smaller than those actually obtained in the sample, whereas standard deviations of linear equivalence scores were the same as those in the sample.…

Presents empirically based item selection guidelines for moving the cut score on equated tests consisting of "n" dichotomous items calibrated assuming the Rasch model. Derivations of lemmas that underlie the guidelines are provided as well as a simulated example. (SLD)

Stability among equating procedures was studied by comparing item response theory (IRT) true-score equating with IRT observed-score equating, IRT true-score equating with equipercentile equating, and IRT observed-score equating with equipercentile equating. On average, IRT true-score equating more frequently produced more stable conversions. (SLD)

Describes the concept of "adequate yearly progress" as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act and discusses some of the psychometric issues it raises. Examines scaling as a means to equate tests when assessing educational gains and recommends vertically moderated standards over vertical equating of state assessments. (SLD)

Two independent replications of a sequence of simulations were conducted to aid in the diagnosis and interpretation of equating differences found between representative (random) and matched (nonrandom) samples for three commonly used conventional observed-score equating procedures and one item-response-theory-based equating procedure. (SLD)

Levine's equations for random groups and unequally reliable tests can be used to equate two tests through performance on an anchor test. Levine's assumption of a parallelism requirement is not necessary; it is sufficient to assume only that the tests are congeneric, an assumption implicit in linear test equating. (SLD)