Empirical Initialization of the Trait Estimator in Adaptive Testing

A procedure for empirical initialization of the trait. estimator in adaptive testing is proposed that is based on the statistical relation between and background variables known prior to test administration. The relation is modeled using a two-parameter version of a logistic item response theory model with manifest predictors discussed in Zwinderman (1991). Equations are provided that are necessary for estimating the parameters from an incomplete sample of response data and data on background variables. The procedure is illustrated for an adaptive version of a test from the Dutch General Aptitude Test Battery, with response time on a prior test as a background variable.

[1]  Frederic M. Lord,et al.  SOME TEST THEORY FOR TAILORED TESTING , 1968 .

[2]  Wayne H. Holtzman,et al.  Computer-assisted instruction, testing, and guidance , 1970 .

[3]  Wouter Schoonman,et al.  An applied study on computerized adaptive testing , 1989 .

[4]  Michael H. Kutner.  Applied Linear Statistical Models , 1974 .

[5]  Robert J. Mislevy,et al.  INTEGRATING COGNITIVE AND PSYCHOMETRIC MODELS TO MEASURE DOCUMENT LITERACY , 1982 .

[6]  Chris Chatfield,et al.  19. Statistical Analysis with Missing Data , 1988 .

[7]  David J. Weiss,et al.  An Adaptive Testing Strategy for Achievement Test Batteries. , 1977 .

[8]  Robert J. Mislevy,et al.  INFERRING EXAMINEE ABILITY WHEN SOME ITEM RESPONSES ARE MISSING , 1988 .

[9]  R. Hambleton,et al.  Handbook of Modern Item Response Theory , 1997 .

[10]  J. Neter,et al.  Applied Linear Statistical Models (3rd ed.). , 1992 .

[11]  Robert J. Mislevy,et al.  The role of collateral information about examinees in item parameter estimation , 1989 .

[12]  Howard Wainer,et al.  Computerized Adaptive Testing: A Primer , 2000 .

[13]  Robert J. Mislevy,et al.  Integrating Cognitive and Psychometric Models to Measure Document Literacy. , 1990 .

[14]  Aeilko H. Zwinderman,et al.  A generalized rasch model for manifest predictors , 1991 .

[15]  Aeilko H. Zwinderman,et al.  Response Models with Manifest Predictors , 1997 .

[16]  David J. Weiss,et al.  Efficiency of an Adaptive Inter-Subtest Branching Strategy in the Measurement of Classroom Achievement. , 1979 .

[17]  R. Mislevy.  Exploiting Auxiliary Information About Items in the Estimation of Rasch Item Difficulty Parameters , 1987 .

[18]  Robert J. Mislevy,et al.  Estimating Population Characteristics From Sparse Matrix Samples of Item Responses , 1992 .

[19]  Wim J. van der Linden,et al.  A Model for Optimal Constrained Adaptive Testing , 1998 .

[20]  Steven E. Rigdon,et al.  Parameter estimation in latent trait models , 1983 .

[21]  Willem J. van der Linden,et al.  Bayesian item selection criteria for adaptive testing , 1998 .

[22]  Melvin R. Novick,et al.  Some latent train models and their use in inferring an examinee's ability , 1966 .

[23]  M. R. Novick,et al.  Statistical Theories of Mental Test Scores. , 1971 .

[24]  V. Barnett,et al.  Applied Linear Statistical Models , 1975 .