Applying Test Equating Methods: Using R

by Jorge Gonzalez, Marie Wiberg

This book describes how to use test equating methods in practice. The non-commercial software R is used throughout the book to illustrate how to perform different equating methods when scores data are collected under different data collection designs, such as equivalent groups design, single group design, counterbalanced design and non equivalent groups with anchor test design. The R packages equate, kequate and SNSequate, among others, are used to practically illustrate the different methods, while simulated and real data sets illustrate how the methods are conducted with the program R. The book covers traditional equating methods including, mean and linear equating, frequency estimation equating and chain equating, as well as modern equating methods such as kernel equating, local equating and combinations of these. It also offers chapters on observed and true score item response theory equating and discusses recent developments within the equating field. More specifically it covers the issue of including covariates within the equating process, the use of different kernels and ways of selecting bandwidths in kernel equating, and the Bayesian nonparametric estimation of equating functions. It also illustrates how to evaluate equating in practice using simulation and different equating specific measures such as the standard error of equating, percent relative error, different that matters and others.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2017

About the author

Jorge Alexandre Gonzalez Faria nasceu em Abril de 68.Foi operário têxtil, vigia florestal, aplicador de isolante de frio e de instalações eléctricas nada fiáveis, pintor de casas e de uma igreja, cujo padre, Inácio de baptismo, dignou-se atestar “Este não tem cara de trabalhador; achou-se numa entrevista para um banco – breve e infrutífera (nunca se apresentem de ganga e pouco convictos). É professor do ensino básico há 18 anos. Vive em Lagarinhos, concelho de Gouveia e aspira a que a sua escrita não se revele falha instalação eléctrica com diagnóstico eclesiástico. Abriu os olhos em Mortágua, não sabe onde os vai fechar.


Jorge Alexandre Gonzalez Faria was born in April of ‘68. He worked was a textile worker, as forest ranger, applied insulation for cold and not at all reliable electrical wiring, painted houses and one church, whose priest, baptised Inácio, worthly testified “This one’s face is not of a worker”; found himself on a bank job interview – brief and unfruitful (never show up in denim and with disbelief). He has been a primary teacher for 18 years.
Lives in Lagarinhos, Gouveia county and aims for his writing not to reveal failed electrical wiring with ecclesiastic diagnose. He opened his eyes in Mortágua, knows not where he will close them.