Patent ID: 6484010
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: G09B

Abstract:
A method for diagnostic assessment and proficiency scaling of test results for a plurality of tests, each said test having at least one item, each said item having at least one feature, the method using as input a vector of item difficulty estimates for each of n items and a matrix of hypothesized skill classifications for each of said n items on each of k skills, the method comprising: using a tree-based regression analysis based on said vector and said matrix to identify skills required to solve each said item, and to form a plurality of clusters by grouping said items according to a predefined prediction rule based on skill classifications; andusing a smoothing technique to summarize student performance on the skills identified in the tree-based analysis, said smoothing technique resulting in cluster characteristic curves that provide a probability of responding correctly to items with specified skill requirements, said probability expressed as a function of underlying test score.