Review of Modern Methods for Automated Test Assembly and Item Pool Analysis (RR 16-01)

Automated methods have been developed for assembling test forms, evaluating a pool of test questions (i.e., items) to determine the number of test form assemblies it can support, and designing an item pool that can most efficiently support the test form assembly process. Automated methods have greatly maintained and improved such activities, all of which are essential to the support of every testing program. This report reviews the major approaches that have been applied in the development of these methods. Their potential application to the computerized adaptive or multistage delivery of the Law School Admission Test is also discussed.