| Abstract: | Two item selection algorithms were compared in simulated linear and adaptive tests of cognitive ability. One algorithm selected items that maximally differentiated between examinees. The other used item response theory (IRT) to select items having maximum information for each examinee. Normally distributed populations of 1,000 cases were simulated, using test lengths of 4, 5, 6, and 7 items. Overall, adaptive tests based on maximum information provided the most information over the widest range of ability values and, in general, differentiated among examinees slightly better than the other tests. Although the maximum differentiation technique may be adequate in some circumstances, adaptive tests based on maximum information are clearly superior. |
