Computerized Classification Testing with Composite Hypotheses
Nathan Alan Thompson, Shungwon Ro · 2007
Reckase (1983) proposed a widely used method of applying the sequential probability ratio test (SPRT; Wald, 1947) to computerized classification testing with item response theory. This method formulates the classification problem as a point hypothesis that an examinee’s ability, θ, is equal to a point, θ1, below the cutscore or a point, θ2, above the cutscore. The current paper argues that the actual goal of classification testing is a composite hypothesis (Weitzman, 1982) that an examinee’s ability θ is in the region of θ either above or below the cutscore, rather than equal to an arbitrarily defined point. A formulation of the SPRT to reflect this testing paradigm is proposed.