Item response theory allows researchers to develop tests having all the following advantages over traditional tests except that
A) the test can be customized to students at different ability levels.
B) it is possible to construct many parallel tests of equivalent difficulty.
C) measurement error can be reduced by administering items geared to each individual's ability level.
D) each individual can take a test containing just a few items at an appropriate difficulty level.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Item response theory (IRT) indeed allows for tests to be customized to different ability levels, the construction of parallel tests, and the reduction of measurement error by tailoring items to an individual's ability. However, the claim that each individual can take a test containing just a few items at an appropriate difficulty level is not accurate. IRT does not necessarily reduce the number of items needed to achieve a reliable measure; the focus is on the quality and appropriateness of items rather than merely reducing the number of items.

Item Response Theory Allows Researchers to Develop Tests Having All