The purpose of this Monte Carlo study was to evaluate the relative accuracy of T. Warm's weighted likelihood estimate (WLE) compared to maximum likelihood estimate (MLE), expected a posteriori estimate (EAP), and maximum a posteriori estimate (MAP), using the generalized partial credit model (GPCM) and graded response model (GRM) under a variety…

A mathematical programming approach is presented for computer adaptive testing (CAT) with many constraints on the item and test attributes. Because mathematical programming problems have to be solved while the examinee waits for the next item, a fast implementation of the Branch-and-Bound algorithm is needed for this approach. Eight modifications…

Item scores that do not fit an assumed item response theory model may cause the latent trait value to be estimated inaccurately. Several person-fit statistics for detecting nonfitting score patterns for paper-and-pencil tests have been proposed. In the context of computerized adaptive tests (CAT), the use of person-fit analysis has hardly been…

The author critiques the program design and educational aspects of the Shell Games, a program developed by Apple Computer, Inc., which can be used by the teacher to design objective tests for adaptation to specific assessment needs. (For related articles, see EC 142 959-962.) (Author)

Two pilot studies investigated the accuracy of a computer parsing system for analyzing written language of deaf children. Results of the studies showed good agreement between human and machine raters. Journal availability: Elsevier North Holland, Inc., 52 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017. (Author)

Describes the development of a physiology course combining elements of instructional technology, computer assisted testing, and independent study at a college of nursing. (RAO)

Compared undergraduates who took online quizzes using Mallard with students taking traditional paper-and-pencil quizzes. Found that Mallard students performed significantly better on in-class exams than non-Mallard students. (EV)

Describes the adoption of Internet-based testing that measures growth following a study of statewide testing procedures in Idaho. Discusses the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001; comparing paper and pencil tests with computerized testing; measurement techniques; how data from tests is used; and timeliness. (LRW)

Examined the case of adaptive testing under a multidimensional response model with large numbers of constraints on the content of the test and items selected using a shadow test approach. Illustrated the procedure with five different cases of multidimensionality that differ in the numbers of ability dimensions and test structure with respect of…

Five approaches to writing test items with computer assistance are described. A model of knowledge using a set of structures and a system for implementing the scheme are outlined. The approaches include the author-supplied approach, replacement-set procedures, computer-supplied prototype items, subject-matter mapping, and discourse analysis. (TJH)

Two zero-one linear programing models for constructing tests using classical item and test parameters are given. These models are useful, for instance, when classical test theory must serve as an interface between an item response theory-based item banking system and a test constructor unfamiliar with the underlying theory. (TJH)

Reviews optimal test-assembly literature and introduces the contributions to this special issue. Discusses four approaches to computerized test assembly: (1) heuristic-based test assembly; (2) 0-1 linear programming; (3) network-flow programming; and (4) an optimal design approach. Contains a bibliography of 90 sources on test assembly.…

Applied optimal design methods to the item-bank design of adaptive testing for continuous testing situations using a version of the weighted-deviations model (M. Stocking and L. Swanson, 1993) in a simulation. Independent and overlapping item banks used items more efficiently than did a large item bank. (SLD)

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)