TitleA study of psychologically optimal level of item difficulty
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1995
AuthorsFujimori, S
JournalShinrigaku Kenkyu
Volume65
Edition1995/02/01
Number6
Pagination446-53
Date PublishedFeb
Publication Languagejpn
ISBN Number0021-5236 (Print)0021-5236 (Linking)
Accession Number7752567
Keywords*Adaptation, Psychological, *Psychological Tests, Adult, Female, Humans, Male
Abstract

For the purpose of selecting items in a test, this study presented a viewpoint of psychologically optimal difficulty level, as well as measurement efficiency, of items. A paper-and-pencil test (P & P) composed of hard, moderate and easy subtests was administered to 298 students at a university. A computerized adaptive test (CAT) was also administered to 79 students. The items of both tests were selected from Shiba's Word Meaning Comprehension Test, for which the estimates of parameters of two-parameter item response model were available. The results of P & P research showed that the psychologically optimal success level would be such that the proportion of right answers is somewhere between .75 and .85. A similar result was obtained from CAT research, where the proportion of about .8 might be desirable. Traditionally a success rate of .5 has been recommended in adaptive testing. In this study, however, it was suggested that the items of such level would be too hard psychologically for many examinees.