A Sharing Item Response Theory Model for Computerized Adaptive Testing

Abstract

A new sharing item response theory (SIRT) model is presented that explicitly models the effects of sharing item content between informants and test takers. This model is used to construct adaptive item selection and scoring rules that provide increased precision and reduced score gains in instances where sharing occurs. The adaptive item selection rules are expressed as functions of the item’s exposure rate in addition to other commonly used properties (characterized by difficulty, discrimination, and guessing parameters). Based on the results of simulated item responses, the new item selection and scoring algorithms compare favorably to the Sympson–Hetter exposure control method. The new SIRT approach provides higher reliability and lower score gains in instances where sharing occurs.