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Effect of Repeaters on Score Equating in a Large-Scale Licensure Test SEA NEAT

Author(s):
Kim, Sooyeon; Walker, Michael E.
Publication Year:
2009
Report Number:
RR-09-27
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
22
Subject/Key Words:
Equating, Test Repeater, Population Invariance, Score Equity Assessment (SEA), Licensure, Non-Equivalent-Groups Anchor Test (NEAT) Design

Abstract

Equating functions obtained with two subgroups, all repeaters, and first-time test takers were similar to those obtained with the total group, supporting score equitability of the two forms. However, when the repeater subgroup was divided into two groups based on the particular form examinees took previously, subgroup equating functions substantially differed from the total-group equating function, indicating subgroup dependency of score equating. The results indicate that repeater membership needs to be more clearly specified to assess the impact of repeaters on score equating. Such clarification may be especially necessary for high-stakes licensure tests because repeaters tend to perform more poorly on such tests than first-time test takers.

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