Computerized adaptive testing or CAT is a revolutionary way of optimizing most exams — not only in academia but in other fields such as human resources. In this article, we’re going to give you an explanation of what it is. How CAT works. And the many benefits of computerized adaptive testing.

What is computerized adaptive testing?

Computerized adaptive testing is a form of assessment that automatically adjusts the difficulty of a test according to an individual’s answers. The CAT method uses distinctive software protocols to generate new questions for exam takers based on their responses to previous questions. The questions are created through a series of algorithms and the difficulty level varies depending on how well the person has done so far.

This type of examination is used in many different areas, including education and assessment. The main goal of computer adaptive testing is to provide an accurate measure of a person’s ability or knowledge of a subject by measuring them individually — not under a group POV or with a template testing, which was the traditional way of providing such exams. CAT gives examiners better metrics on that person’s grasp of the subject and also reduces the time needed for tests by only asking questions that are appropriate for a person’s unique educational level.

Frequently asked questions regarding CAT

Here are some of the most searched questions when it comes to adaptive testing. Adaptive testing is rapidly becoming a huge trend. Although it has been in vogue for over 50 years, now, due to tech, AI, and other key innovations its abilities to better examine a taker’s skills have increased. Today these sorts of tests are game changers for organizations. They are more dynamic, more efficient, more affordable – and cost savings – and incredibly easy to perform.

How does adaptive testing differ from traditional testing?

CAT differs from other types of tests because it is based on feedback, while others are not. With adaptive testing, examiners are able to see what folks got wrong and what they got right. It is a test that evolves as it is being taken. An adaptive test, based on the right answer to a rather difficult question, will use that baseline for further queries.

What problems can adaptive testing effectively solve?

Adaptive tests are designed to assess the skills and knowledge of an individual in order to measure their abilities. The main advantage of these tests is that they are able to accurately measure an individual’s abilities in a short amount of time, regardless of their age, education level, and even language proficiency.

How does computer adaptive testing work?

CAT uses basic iterative algorithms in order to work. Before the test is taken, nothing is known about its content by the examinee. And the algorithm or program has no prior knowledge of the taker’s skill set. As such the algorithm chooses a medium to medium easy question as its first item.

The algorithm then uses how the taker responded to that question as its baseline.

When the test taker answers a new question, the computer re-estimates their ability – or knowledge of the subject.
The computer then edits out questions that are either too difficult – as of the current baseline to answer – or questions that are too easy.
With each question the tester answers, the algorithm creates a new baseline.

The computer’s goal is to give test takers questions that are challenging, questions that they have a 50% chance of answering right. With each item answered the computer gets better metrics on the taker’s overall abilities.

Where is CAT most used today?

Adaptive testing has existed since the early 1970s, they have become a norm in the following department or tests:

Graduate Management Admission Test.
MAP test from NWEA
The SAT has announced that it will become multistage-adaptive in 2023.
National Council Licensure Examination.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.

Why should you consider implementing computerized adaptive testing?

CAT is a great way to supercharge your testing parameters. Some of the benefits of adaptive testing are:

Shorter tests
More precise scores
Better accuracy
Better test security
Frequent retesting is possible
Move at your own pace
A better experience for examinees

Why make the switch from traditional testing to adaptive testing

CAT can provide precise scores for most test-takers. In contrast, standard tests mostly give organizations or educational bodies a poor precision of the taker’s ability — particularly with extreme testing. Adaptive testing can normally shorten the process by 50% and maintain a much more effective precision level. This means that it not only saves the test takers time, by editing out questions that are too hard or trivially easy but also saves the testing organization’s resources — the cost of each exam.

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