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The First Four Millennia of Mental Testing: From Ancient China to the Computer Age CAT

Author(s):
Wainer, Howard
Publication Year:
1987
Report Number:
RR-87-34
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
7
Subject/Key Words:
Adaptive Testing, College Entrance Examinations, Computer Assisted Testing, History of Testing, Test Administration, Test Theory, Test Use

Abstract

This paper briefly describes the evolution of mental proficiency tests through several epochs. Particular emphasis is focussed on computerized adaptive testing (CAT)—a test administered in the most efficient manner to establish a given examinee's ability to within some predetermined level of accuracy. The psychometric theory, test development, equating, reliability and validity of CAT are discussed. The author concludes with a discussion of future applications of computerized test administration. (7pp.)

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