The Use of Probabilistic Models in the Assessment of Mastery

Abstract

Descriptions are presented of two related probabilistic models that can be used for making classification decisions with respect to mastery of specific concepts or skills. Included are the development of procedures for: (a) assessing the adequacy of “fit” provided by the models; (b) identifying optimal decision rules for mastery classification; and (c) identifying minimally sufficient numbers of items necessary to obtain acceptable levels of misclassification.