ERIC Number: EJ1340756
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Aug
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0266-4909
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Digital-First Assessments: A Security Framework
LaFlair, Geoffrey T.; Langenfeld, Thomas; Baig, Basim; Horie, André Kenji; Attali, Yigal; von Davier, Alina A.
Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, v38 n4 p1077-1086 Aug 2022
Background: Digital-first assessments leverage the affordances of technology in all elements of the assessment process--from design and development to score reporting and evaluation to create test taker-centric assessments. Objectives: The goal of this paper is to describe the engineering, machine learning, and psychometric processes and technologies of a test security framework (part of a larger ecosystem; Burstein et al., 2021) that can be used to create systems that protect the integrity of test scores. Methods: We use the Duolingo English Test to exemplify the processes and technologies that are presented. This includes methods for actively detecting and deterring malicious behaviour (e.g., a custom desktop app). It also includes methods for passively detecting and deterring malicious behaviour (e.g., a large item bank created through automatic generation methods). We describe the certification process that each test administration undergoes, which includes both automated and human review. Additionally, we describe our quality assurance dashboard which leverages psychometric data mining techniques to monitor test quality and inform decisions about item pool maintenance. Results and Conclusions: As assessment developers transition to online delivery and to a design approach that places the test taker at the centre, it becomes increasingly important to take advantage of the tools and methodological advances in different fields (e.g., engineering, machine learning, psychometrics). These tools and methods are essential to maintaining the security of assessments so that the score reliability is sustained and the interpretations and uses of test scores remain valid.
Descriptors: Computer Assisted Testing, Affordances, Scoring, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Psychometrics, Scores, Integrity, Testing Problems, Item Banks, Automation, Test Reliability, Test Interpretation, Cheating, Prevention
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A