2019 Volume 15 Issue 1 Pages 45-57
In the current study, we propose the computer adaptive extension of the item response and response time model for measuring non-cognitive skills. For this purpose, the item information function of the joint item response and response time model that reflects the psychological theories of non-cognitive skill measurement is utilized. Based both on the respondents’ item responses and response time information, the next item to be presented is chosen so as to maximize the item information per unit time. Simulation study and empirical application confirmed that the proposed computer adaptive testing with response time information result in higher estimation precision than selecting items at random. This means that the proposed method would be effective in reducing the number of items required on the test. Also, simulation revealed that when items in the item bank have a diverse range of parameter values with regard to response time, the maximum item information per unit time criterion is much better than in traditional approaches. We conclude that computer adaptive presentation of items based on the proposed method would be an effective way of estimating non-cognitive skills.
