A Simple procedure for Evaluating the Tau Equivalence Assumption for Coefficient Alpha

• In Event: Reliability Estimation

Abstract

In this paper we will present a simple procedure to evaluate the extent to which violation of the tau equivalent assumption of coefficient alpha inflates the estimated reliability. The procedure is appropriate for use whenever there is systematic nesting of test items (e.g., reading comprehension, science experiment, or medical case).

Authors

• Fen Fan, NBME

• Chunyan Liu, NATIONAL BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS

• Peter Baldwin, NATIONAL BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAM

• Brian Clauser, NATIONAL BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAM