Components of Computerized Adaptive Language Testing

In this chapter, the four essential components for the success of a CAT system are described at great length, including the item pool, item selection procedure, ability estimation method, and stopping rule. Item pool construction involves item calibration, linking parameters onto a common scale and DIF analysis. Item selection procedure, ability estimation method, and stopping rule all have their respective estimation methods. Detailed descriptions of the advantages and disadvantages of various estimation methods are given so that researchers could choose the most appropriate estimation method based on their own needs.