skip to main content skip to footer

An Application of Item Response Theory to Equating the Test of Standard Written English IRT TSWE

Author(s):
Bejar, Isaac I.; Wingersky, Marilyn S.
Publication Year:
1981
Report Number:
RR-81-35
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
28
Subject/Key Words:
College Board, English Tests, Equated Scores, Goodness of Fit, Item Response Theory (IRT), Test Theory, Test of Standard Written English (TSWE)

Abstract

The study reports a feasibility study for using item response theory (IRT) as a means of equating the Test of Standard Written English (TSWE). The study focused on the possibility of pre-equating, that is, deriving the equating transformation prior to the final administration of the test. The three-parameter logistic model was postulated as the response model and its fit assessed at the item, subscore, and total score level. Minor problems were found at each of these levels but, on the whole, the three-parameter model was found to portray the data well. The adequacy of the equating provided by IRT procedures was investigated in two TSWE forms. It was concluded that pre-equating does not appear to present problems beyond those inherent to IRT-equating. (Author). (28pp.)

Read More