The effect of dimensionality on an adaptive test's ability estimation was examined. Two-dimensional data sets, which differed from one another in the interdimensional ability association, the correlation among the difficulty parameters, and whether the item discriminations were or were not confounded with item difficulty, were generated for 1,600…

The conventional method of measuring ability--based on items with assumed true parameter values obtained from a pretest--is compared to a Bayesian method that deals with the uncertainties of such items. Data from a 1987 American College Testing Program mathematics test indicate that maximum likelihood/Bayesian techniques underestimate uncertainty.…

A basic technical framework is provided for the design and use of mastery tests. The Mastery Testing Project (MTP) prepared this framework using advanced mathematics supplemented with computer simulation based on real test data collected by the South Carolina Statewide Testing Program. The MTP focused on basic technical issues encountered in using…