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Optimal Partitioning of Testing Time: Theoretical Properties and Practical Implications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2025

Tianyou Wang and
Jiawei Zhang
Tianyou Wang*
Affiliation:
University of Iowa
Jiawei Zhang
Affiliation:
New York University
*
Requests for reprints should be sent to Tianyou Wang, Center for Advanved Studies in Measurement and Assessment, University of Iowa, 210B Lindquist Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. E-mail: tianyou-wang@uiowa.edu
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Abstract

This paper deals with optimal partitioning of limited testing time in order to achieve maximum total test score. Nonlinear optimization theory was used to analyze this problem. A general case using a generic item response model is first presented. A special case that applies a response time model proposed by Wang and Hanson (2005) is also presented. Theoretical properties of the optimal solution are derived. Their practical implications to optimal test-taking strategies are also discussed. The theoretical properties are in general agreement with the conventional advice to the examinees on pacing strategy.

Keywords

test-taking strategypacing strategyresponse time modeloptimization theory

Information

Type
Original Paper
Information
Psychometrika , Volume 71 , Issue 1 , March 2006, pp. 105 - 120
Copyright
Copyright © 2006 The Psychometric Society

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