Exploration On Computerized Adaptive Testing Of Personality Likert-scale

Content: At present, the application of computerized adaptive testing(CAT in short) based on item response theory (IRT in short) in personality measurement is much less than in education measurement. This study would explore on the application of CAT in a Likert-scale of personality.This study consists of three parts: introduction, empirical study and conclusion. In introduction, the basic concept of IRT is outlined and the current studies on the application of CAT in personality measurement are introduced. In empirical part, the authentic responses data of trait anxiety scale are used to simulate CAT. In this method, simulating CAT is conducted to two modes of responses data: four-point and three-point respectively. The study shows the unidimensionality of personality data is not ideal, but results of various test rules in CAT hold high correlations with those in paper-pen test. In the third part, a discussion is made upon the research findings. On the whole, the application of CAT in personality Likert-scale is feasible and promising. Four conclusions are presented:(1) The personality CAT is better at differentiating the trait level of subject.(2) The personality CAT is more efficient than paper-pen test.(3) The results of the personality CAT are more straightforward.(4) Providing the purpose of a test is to diagnose the examinee, the terminal rule of the personality CAT should adopt clinic diagnosis rule.