There are 2 currently popular statistical frameworks for addressing measurement problems such as test development, test-score equating, and the identification of biased test items: classical test theory and item response theory. In this article, both theories and models associated with each are described and compared, and the ways in which test development generally proceeds within each framework are discussed. The main differences between classical and item response theories and models relate to their assumptions, item-ability relationship, invariance of item and person statistics, and sample size.

Comparison of Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory and Their Applications to Test Development.

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