The Use of the Sequential Probability Ratio Test in Making Grade Classifications in Conjunction with Tailored Testing

摘要

This report describes a study comparing the classification results obtained from a one-parameter and three-parameter logistic based tailored testing procedure used in conjunction with Wald's sequential probability ratio test (SPRT). Eighty-eight college students were classified into four grade categories using achievement test results obtained from tailored testing procedures based on maximum information item selection and maximum likelihood ability estimation. Tests were terminated using the SPRT procedure. The results of the study showed that the three-parameter logistic based procedure had higher decision consistency than the one-parameter based procedure when classifications were repeated after one week. Both procedures required fewer items for classification into grade categories than a traditional test over the same material. The three-parameter procedure required the fewest items of all, using an average of 12 to 13 items to assign a grade. (Author)