Simulated computer adaptive testing method choices for ability estimation with empirical evidence

<p><span lang="EN-US">Computer adaptive testing (CAT) is a technological advancement for educational assessments that requires thorough feasibility studies through computer simulations to ensure strong foundations. This especially germane in Africa being adopters of technology, and this should not be done blindly without empirical evidence. A quasi-experimental design was adopted study establish methodological choices CAT ability estimation. Five thousand candidates were simulated with 100 items simulate the three-parameter logistic model. The simulation stipulated fixed-length test 30 items, while examinee characteristics drawn from normal distribution mean 0 standard deviation 1. Also, controls set control item exposure or use progressive restricted method. Data gathered analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean deviation) inferential (Two-way multivariate analysis variance: MANOVA) generated hypotheses. provided evidence choosing estimation methods as part efforts geared towards designing accurate programs higher education.</span></p>