Computerized Adaptive Testing: Tracking Candidate Response Patterns

Mary E. Lunz and Betty Bergstrom
Journal of Educational Computing Research, Vol. 13, No. 2, 1995, p. 151-162

Computerized adaptive testing uses a computer algorithm to construct and score the best possible individualized or tailored tests for each candidate. The computer also provides an absolute record of all responses and changes to responses, as well as their effects on candidate performance. The purpose of this study was to track the effect of candidate response patterns on a
computerized adaptive test. The precision of the test was affected most by response alterations during early segments of the test. While, generally, candidates benefit from altering responses, individual candidates showed different patterns of response alterations across test segments. Test precision is minimally affected, suggesting that the tailoring of computerized
adaptive testing is minimally affected by response alterations.

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