The Effect of the Multiple-Choice Test Length on Estimating the Item Parameters and the Test Information Function According to the Three-Parameter Logistic Model in the Item Response Theory

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying the effect of the multiple-choice test length on estimating the item parameters and the test information function according to the three-parameter logistic model in the item response theory. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher adopted (WINGEN3) program to generate data. The items parameters (difficulty, discrimination and guessing) were generated for three forms of tests consisting of (20, 40, 60) items and the resulting items parameters were used to generate abilities for (4000) examinees using the three-parameter logistic model.The (BILOG-MG3) program was also used to finding items parameters and information function of the three test forms.The study results showed that there are statistically significant differences at the level of (α = 0.05) between the arithmetic averages of the items parameters estimates attributed to the test  length and in favor of the longest test in the number of items. The results also found that the test information function increases with the increase in the number of items.

Keywords: the test length, the information function, the three-parameter logistic model

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-24-05

Publication date:August 31^st 2020