On the complementarity of classical test theory and item response models: item difficulty estimates and computerized adaptive testing

This study aims to provide statistical evidence of the complementarity between classical test theory and item response models for certain educational assessment purposes. Such complementarity might support, at a reduced cost, future development of innovative procedures for item calibration in adaptive testing. Classical test theory and the generalized partial credit model are applied to tests comprising multiple choice, short answer, completion, and open response items scored partially. Datasets are derived from the tests administered to the Portuguese population of students enrolled in the 4th and 6th grades. The results show a very strong association between the estimates of difficulty obtained from classical test theory and item response models, corroborating the statistical theory of mental testing.