Implementing Content Constraints in Alpha-Stratified Adaptive Testing Using a Shadow Test Approach

The methods of alpha-stratified adaptive testing and constrained adaptive testing with shadow tests are combined. The advantages are twofold: First, application of the shadow test approach allows the implementation of any type of constraint on item selection in alpha-stratified adaptive testing. Second, the result yields a simple set of constraints that can be used in any application of the shadow test approach to reduce overexposure and underexposure of the items in the pool. An example from the Law School Admission Test is used to demonstrate the advantages.