Using Multidimensional CAT to Administer a Short, Yet Precise, Screening Test

Abstract

Multidimensional computerized adaptive testing (MCAT) provides a mechanism by which the simultaneous goals of accurate prediction and minimal testing time for a screening test could both be met. This article demonstrates the use of MCAT to administer a screening test for the Computerized Adaptive Testing–Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (CAT-ASVAB) under a variety of manipulated conditions. CAT-ASVAB is a test battery administered via unidimensional CAT (UCAT) that is used to qualify applicants for entry into the U.S. military and assign them to jobs. The primary research question being evaluated is whether the use of MCAT to administer a screening test can lead to significant reductions in testing time from the full-length selection test, without significant losses in score precision. Different stopping rules, item selection methods, content constraints, time constraints, and population distributions for the MCAT administration are evaluated through simulation, and compared with results from a regular full-length UCAT administration.