Assembling Tests for o the Measurement of Multiple Abilities

DOCUMENT RESUME TM 025 743 van der Linden, Wim J. Assembling Tests for the Measurement of Multiple Abilities. Twente Univ., Enschede (Netherlands). Dept. of Education. RR-95-03 Dec 95 39p. Bibliotheek, Faculty of Educational Science and Technology, University of Twente, P. O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands. Reports Evaluative/Feasibility (142) MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. *Ability; *Estimation (Mathematics); Foreign Countries; *Item Banks; *Measurement Techniques; *Test Construction, *Multidimensionality (Tests); *Variance (Statistical) It is proposed that the assembly of tests for the measurement of multiple abilities be based on targets for the (asymptotic) variance functions of the estimators in each of the abilities. A linear programming model is presented that can be used to computerize the assembly process. Several cases of test assembly dealing with multidimensional abilities are distinguished, and versions of the model applicable to each of these cases are discussed. An empirical example of a test assembly program from a two-dimensional mathematics item pool concludes the paper. (Contains 2 tables, 2 figures, and 27 references.) (Author/SLD) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** Assembling Tests for o the Measurement of Multiple Abilities M U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDU ATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. Wim J. van der Linden department of EDUCATION . . Division of Educational Measurement and Data Analysis PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY /0 E 4 /SSt Al TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) Research Report 95-03 . BEST COPY AVAILABLE University of Twente Assembling Tests for the Measurement of Multiple Abilities Wim J. van der Linden