a-Stratified Multistage Computerized Adaptive Testing with b Blocking

Chang & Ying’s (1999) computerized adaptive testing item-selection procedure stratifies the item bank according to a parameter values and requires b parameter values to be evenly distributed across all strata. Thus, a and b parameter values must be incorporated into how strata are formed. A refinement is proposed, based on Weiss’ (1973) stratification of items according to b values. Simulation studies using a retired item bank of a Graduate Record Examination test indicate that the new approach improved control of item exposure rates and reduced mean squared errors.