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Comparing Alternative Kernels for the Kernel Method of Test Equating: Gaussian, Logistic, and Uniform Kernels KE EG

Author(s):
Lee, Yi-Hsuan; von Davier, Alina A.
Publication Year:
2008
Report Number:
RR-08-12
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
26
Subject/Key Words:
Kernel Equating (KE), Gaussian Kernel, Logistic Kernel, Uniform Kernel, Equivalent Groups (EG) Design

Abstract

The Gaussian kernel is used for reference. By employing an equivalent-groups design, the results of the study indicate that the tail properties of kernel functions have great impact on the continuized score distributions. However, the equated scores based on different kernel functions do not vary much, except for extreme scores. The results presented in this paper not only support the previous findings on the efficiency and accuracy of the existing continuization methods, but also enrich the information on observed-score equating methods.

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