Mixed-format assessments made up of multiple-choice (MC) items and constructed response (CR) items that are scored using rater judgments include unique psychometric considerations. When these item types are combined to estimate examinee achievement, information about the psychometric quality of each component can depend on that of the other. For…

This paper presents the item and test information functions of the Rank two-parameter logistic models (Rank-2PLM) for items with two (pair) and three (triplet) statements in forced-choice questionnaires. The Rank-2PLM model for pairs is the MUPP-2PLM (Multi-Unidimensional Pairwise Preference) and, for triplets, is the Triplet-2PLM. Fisher's…

The present study investigates the influence of multidimensionality on linking and equating in a unidimensional IRT. Two hypothetical multidimensional scenarios are explored under a nonequivalent group common-item equating design. The first scenario examines test forms designed to measure multiple constructs, while the second scenario examines a…

Recent advances in automated scoring technology have made it practical to replace multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with short-answer questions (SAQs) in large-scale, high-stakes assessments. However, most previous research comparing these formats has used small examinee samples testing under low-stakes conditions. Additionally, previous studies…

In this article, we systematize the factors influencing performance and feasibility of automatic content scoring methods for short text responses. We argue that performance (i.e., how well an automatic system agrees with human judgments) mainly depends on the linguistic variance seen in the responses and that this variance is indirectly influenced…

Short-form development is an important topic in psychometric research, which requires researchers to face methodological choices at different steps. The statistical techniques traditionally used for shortening tests, which belong to the so-called exploratory model, make assumptions not always verified in psychological data. This article proposes a…

Background: Studies of syntactic comprehension and reading comprehension use a wide range of syntactic comprehension tests that vary considerably in format. The goal of this study was to examine to which extent different formats of syntactic comprehension tests measure the same construct. Methods: Sixty-nine Grade 4 students completed multiple…

Equating is a statistical procedure used to adjust for the difference in form difficulty such that scores on those forms can be used and interpreted comparably. In practice, however, equating methods are often implemented without considering the extent to which two forms differ in difficulty. The study aims to examine the effect of the magnitude…

Previous literature suggests learners can adjust their encoding strategies to match the demands of the expected test format. However, it is unclear whether other forms of metacognitive control, namely, study time allocation and restudy selection, are also sensitive to expected test format. Across four experiments we examined whether learners…

Prior testing can facilitate subsequent learning, a phenomenon termed the forward testing effect (FTE). We examined a metacognitive account of this effect, which proposes that the FTE occurs because retrieval leads to strategy optimizations during later learning. One prediction of this account is that tests that require less retrieval effort…

Some previous studies suggest that response times (RTs) on rating scale items can be informative about the content trait, but a more recent study suggests they may also be reflective of response styles. The latter result raises questions about the possible consideration of RTs for content trait estimation, as response styles are generally viewed…

In operational testing, item response theory (IRT) models for dichotomous responses are popular for measuring a single latent construct [theta], such as cognitive ability in a content domain. Estimates of [theta], also called IRT scores or [theta hat], can be computed using estimators based on the likelihood function, such as maximum likelihood…

To assemble a high-quality test, psychometricians rely on subject matter experts (SMEs) to write high-quality items. However, SMEs are not typically given the opportunity to provide input on which content standards are most suitable for multiple-choice questions (MCQs). In the present study, we explored the relationship between perceived MCQ…

Purpose: While known by many names, qualifying exams function as gatekeepers to graduate student advancement to PhD candidacy, yet there has been little formal study on best qualifying exam practices particularly in biomedical and related STEM PhD programs. The purpose of this study is to examine the current state of qualifying exams through an…

The current literature on test equating generally defines it as the process necessary to obtain score comparability between different test forms. The definition is in contrast with Lord's foundational paper which viewed equating as the process required to obtain comparability of measurement scale between forms. The distinction between the notions…