Testing Multistage Testing Configurations: Post-Hoc vs. Hybrid Simulations

Due to low cost monte-carlo (MC) simulations have been extensively conducted in the area of educational measurement. However, the results derived from MC studies may not always be generalizable to operational studies. The purpose of this study was to provide a methodological discussion on the other different types of simulation methods, and run post-hoc and hybrid simulations in the multistage testing environment (MST), and to discuss the findings and interpretations derived from each simulation method. The real data collected via paper-pencil administrations from 652 students were used to test different MST design configurations under different test lengths. The levels of test lengths were 24-item, 36-item and 48-item. The five levels of MST designs were 1-2, 1-3, 1-2-2, 1-3-3, 1-4-4 and 1-5-5 design. Both post-hoc and hybrid simulations were run with the same group of students. All analyses were completed in R program. The results indicated that in terms of absolute bias, RMSE and pearson correlations, post-hoc and hybrid simulations generally resulted in comparable outcomes. Regardless of the simulation method, the 1-5-5 MST design was the most recommended design. Another finding was that in all simulations, as the test length increased, the outcomes were better, in general. Advantages and disadvantages of each method, and recommendations for practitioner and limitations for future research were provided in the study.