PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING STUDENT DISCUSSION AND RESPOND. CITE REFERENCES USING APA FORMAT.
Discussion
Theories
There are two theories available to determine the tests fairness based upon test questions. The first theory is known as Item Response Theory (IRT). IRT is based upon the "items" level of difficulty (Cohen, Swerklik&Sturman, 2013). If the test taker scores above the level of difficulty this is called the "cut score" and the individual has "passed" the test (Cohenet al., 2013).
The other theory is called Classical Test Theory. The cut score for this theory takes all the test questions into consideration and a set number must be correct for the test taker to "pass" the test (Cohen et al., 2013).
Test Fairness
Test fairness is determined by how the items of a test are measured (Cohen et al., 2013). With that being said, IRT is measured by each item on the test and CTT is measured by all of the items on the test as "one" unity. After researching, it is evident that CTT is the best choice for responding to questions about test fairness because it takes the entire test into consideration.
If a test is reliable and valid, there are high hopes that the test is developed fairly. In addition, test fairness also depends on the participants taking the test and their level of comfort. Being aware of the participants anxiety, comfort and ect., gives practitioners a window in to how their brain was processing information.
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are advantages and disadvantages to each theory. For instance, CTT depends upon multiple items which is advantageous because it allows the test to be developed fairly from multiple aspects (Angela, 2015). However, IRT takes into consideration about the difficulty of the test and how the test takers respond to the criteria being measured (Angela, 2015).
This is a significant aspect for a test to have because even if the test developers think that it is fair, the test takers may analyze the information differently. This is important to take into consideration in the test development process. A disadvantage of CTT is that it does not take the difficulty of the items into consideration (Angela, 2015). In addition, it becomes difficult to compare different tests on different scales (Angela, 2015).
Address Test Fairness
Even though IRT is popular among researchers now, CTT stands firm on the way it measures the true score and the error of a test. CTT addresses test fairness by taking various skills and applying it to an individual's score based upon the entire test instead of each item on the test.
CTT also gives researchers a better way to determine cut scores and base line data because the participants must get a specific number correct to pass the test (Angela, 2015). IRT has benefits to its theory, however, there is a handful of factors to take into account on test day and it is important to look at the test as a whole, rather than the score of each item.
Technology and Test Development
We live in a time where technology is always advancing, which makes it a promising time for each theory as far as test development and inclusion of appropriate items goes. With the way technology is advancing, CTT and IRT will see a growth in the way the tests are developed with brevity. In addition, technology will allow each test to be built depending on the items of the test and what the test is intended to measure more efficiently.
References
Cohen, R. J., Swerklik, M. E., &Sturman, E. D. (2013). Psychological testing and assessment: An introduction to tests and measurement (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill. ISBN: 9780078035302.
Angela. (2015, May 31). Comparing Classical and Item-Response Theories. LinkedIn.