Item order and speededness: implications for test fairness in higher educational high-stakes testing

A common approach to increase test security in higher educational high-stakes testing is the use of different forms with identical items but item orders. The effects such varied orders are relatively well studied, findings have generally been mixed. When multiple used, we argue that moderating role speededness on order cannot be neglected as missing responses commonly scored incorrect testing. If test-takers run out time while not giving answers easy at end test, they penalised stronger than if instead were unable provide difficult items. Using an illustrative real-data example a speeded show potential consequences ignoring can substantial respect fairness. Our proposed solution consists using fixed across from point which may become for some students. In this approach, most time-intensive placed test. simulation based real data two university examinations psychology students illustrates usefulness approach.