An Examination of Item Review on a CAT Using the Specific Information Item Selection Algorithm.

Many arguments have been made against allowing examinees to review and change their answers after completing a computer adaptive test (CAT). These arguments include: (1) increased bias; (2) decreased precision; and (3) susceptibility of test-taking strategies. Results of simulations suggest that the strength of these arguments is reduced or eliminated by using specific information item selection (SIIS), under which items are selected to meet information targets, instead of the more common maximum information item selection, under which items are selected to maximize information. Because item review offers several benefits, by using SIIS and an appropriate ability estimator, allowing item review on a CAT is probably warranted. (Contains 1 table, 15 figures, and 31 references.) (Author/SLD)