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Controlling Item Exposure Rates in a Realistic Adaptive Testing Paradigm CAT

Author(s):
Stocking, Martha L.
Publication Year:
1993
Report Number:
RR-93-02
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
42
Subject/Key Words:
Adaptive Testing, Computer Assisted Testing, Item Banks, Test Items, Test Security

Abstract

(42pp.) In the context of paper-and-pencil testing, the frequency of the exposure of items is usually controlled through policies that regulate both the reuse of test forms and the frequency with which a candidate may retake the test. In the context of computerized adaptive testing where item pools are large and expensive to produce and testing can be on a continual basis, new strategies are required. This paper discusses the popular randomization strategy for controlling item security and a less well-known probabilistic approach due to Sympson and Hetter. Extensions are developed to the Sympson and Hetter approach to make it more relevant for modern adaptive testing. Examples are given of the application of the randomization approach and the extended Sympson and Hetter approach.

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