A Comparative Analysis of Linking Approaches for Admission Test Subscores Assessed by Subpopulation Invariance

• In Event: 70.066 - Roundtable Session 28
  In Roundtable Session: 70.066-7 - Equating: Issues and Practices

Abstract

Despite potential psychometric issues (e.g., low reliability, redundancy), the demands for diagnostic subscores are increasing in educational testing due to their potential remedial and instructional benefits. Subscore equating is the best practice to achieve score equivalence across the different forms of the test. Subscore equating is often impractical, however, due to lack of common items across the forms. This study investigated whether a simple scaling approach can be used as a practical alternative in situations where traditional equating is limited. Effectiveness of subscore scaling was assessed based on the extent to which the subpopulation invariance requirement was met.

Author

• Sooyeon Kim, Educational Testing Service