A Stochastic Model For Repeated Testing

The paper suggests an extension of current probability models of mental testing to include practice effects resulting when the same subject responds t o the same ability test item on several occasions. The method involves the treatment of multiple presentations of the same item as a stochastic process, Le., a series of interrelated stochastic events. Some general results are presented and a particular model for practice effects utilizing the latent classes and linear operator learning models1 is discussed a t some length. Methods of parameter estimation and testing goodness of fit are presented and illustrated with a numerical example.