ERIC Number: EJ948043
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Dec
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0013-1644
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Similarity of Bookmark Cut Scores with Different Response Probability Values
Wyse, Adam E.
Educational and Psychological Measurement, v71 n6 p963-985 Dec 2011
Standard setting is a method used to set cut scores on large-scale assessments. One of the most popular standard setting methods is the Bookmark method. In the Bookmark method, panelists are asked to envision a response probability (RP) criterion and move through a booklet of ordered items based on a RP criterion. This study investigates whether or not it is possible to end up with the same cut scores if one were to apply the Bookmark method with two different RP values. Analytical formulas and two hypothetical examples from a large-scale state testing program indicate that it is rarely possible to obtain the same cut score estimates with two different RP values because of the presence of item difficulty gaps present when applying the procedure in practice. Results indicate that if the same group of panelists applied the Bookmark procedure as it is traditionally explained, then cut scores should be lower with the second chosen RP value than they were with the first RP value. This result holds whether or not the second RP value is higher or lower than the first RP value. The examples also reveal that differences in cut score estimates with different RP values can lead to changes in the percentage of examinees at or above the cut scores that may have important practical impacts. (Contains 7 tables and 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Testing Programs, Standard Setting (Scoring), Cutting Scores, Probability, Criterion Referenced Tests, State Standards, Difficulty Level, Test Items, Grade 5, Grade 11, Reading Tests, Science Tests
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 11; Grade 5
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A