Test construction by means of linear programming

Abstract

The use of linear programming in the selection of test items entails setting a target information value for several ability levels, then constructing a test of minimum length that satisfies the constraints given by the target values. In the present paper the case of the uniform target is reconsidered. The dependency of item selection on item pool characteristics is demonstrated, and the relevance of uniform targets for test construction and the applicability of linear programming for test construction are discussed. Index terms: item response theory, item selection, linear programming, test length.