Tailored testing by Cliff's method of implied orders was simulated through the use of responses gathered during conventional administration of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale. Tailoring eliminated approximately half the responses with only modest decreases in score reliability. (Author/BW)

The effectiveness of various tailored testing strategies for use in objective based instructional programs was investigated. The three factors of a tailored testing strategy under study with various hypothetical distributions of abilities across two learning hierarchies were test length, mastery cutting score, and starting point. (Author/JKS)

A simulation study explored the effect of population distribution on maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and expected a posteriori (EAP) estimation in computerized adaptive testing based on the rating scale model of D. Andrich (1978). The choice between EAP and MLE for particular situations is discussed. (SLD)

The authors of the "Guidelines," a task force of eight, intend to present an organized list of features to be considered in reporting or evaluating computerized-adaptive assessments. Apart from a few weaknesses, the book is a useful and complete document that will be very helpful to test developers. (SLD)

Basic procedures for performing computerized adaptive testing based on the successive intervals (SI) Rasch model were evaluated. The SI model was applied to simulated and real attitude data sets. Item pools as small as 30 items performed well, and the model appeared practical for Likert-type data. (SLD)

Examined whether providing item review on a computerized adaptive test could be used by examinees to inflate their scores. Two studies involving 139 undergraduates suggest that examinees are not highly proficient at discriminating item difficulty. A simulation study showed the usefulness of a strategy identified by G. Kingsbury (1996) as a way to…

Presents a system of classification for describing computer-based assessment techniques based on the level of action and educational activity they offer. Illustrates 10 computer-based assessment techniques and discusses their educational value. Contains 14 references. (Author)

Studied effects of administration mode [computer adaptive test (CAT) versus self-adaptive test (SAT)], item-by-item answer feedback, and test anxiety on results from computerized vocabulary tests taken by 293 college students. CATs were more reliable than SATs, and administration time was less when feedback was provided. (SLD)

Evaluated the relative accuracy of the weighted likelihood estimate (WLE) of T. Warm (1989) compared to the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE), expected a posteriori estimate, and maximum a posteriori estimate. Results of the Monte Carlo study, which show the relative advantages of each approach, suggest that the test termination rule has more…

This book contains a series of research articles about computerized adaptive testing (CAT) written for advanced psychometricians. The book is divided into sections on: (1) item selection and examinee scoring in CAT; (2) examples of CAT applications; (3) item banks; (4) determining model fit; and (5) using testlets in CAT. (SLD)

Extended the use of a beta prior in trait estimation to the maximum expected a posteriori (MAP) method of Bayesian estimation. This new method, essentially unbiased MAP, was compared with MAP, essentially unbiased expected a posteriori, weighted likelihood, and maximum-likelihood estimation methods. The new method significantly reduced bias in…

Proposes a procedure for empirical initialization of the trait (theta) estimator in adaptive testing that is based on the statistical relation between theta and background variables known prior to test administration. Illustrates the procedure for an adaptive version of a test from the Dutch General Aptitude Battery. (SLD)

To test preschoolers' ability to flexibly switch between abstract rules differing in difficulty, ninety-three 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds were instructed to switch from an (easier) shape-sorting to a (harder) function-sorting rule, or vice versa. Children learned one rule, sorted four test sets, then learned the other rule, and sorted four more sets.…

Humans conduct visual search faster when the same display is presented for a 2nd time, showing implicit learning of repeated displays. This study examines whether learning of a spatial layout transfers to other layouts that are occupied by items of new shapes or colors. The authors show that spatial context learning is sometimes contingent on item…

Recent studies have shown that restricting review and answer change opportunities on computerized adaptive tests (CATs) to items within successive blocks reduces time spent in review, satisfies most examinees' desires for review, and controls against distortion in proficiency estimates resulting from intentional incorrect answering of items prior…