Requirements, Applications and Research in Computerized Adaptive Tests

Abstract

This article summarizes the main requirements and applications of Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT). The work emphasizes the differences between CAT and the conventional computerized tests with regard to the psychometric models, the item selection strategies and the estimation of the examinee ability. The main results obtained by a Spanish research group in CAT are described. These results are: the development of software to implement adaptive testing, a CAT measuring English vocabulary in Spanish speaking subjects and several studies focusing in technical and applied issues of CAT.