ITEM PARAMETER DRIFT IN CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS
AND IT'S IMPLICATION ON DECISION MAKING
In certificate examinations, the validity of inferences made from the examination
scores are of great importance. To make valid inferences regarding the
examinee's ability, the examination scores must be true representative of the
examinees knowledge. When examination scores fail to represent examinee's
ability, it creates a misrepresentation that could threaten the fairness and
validity of the examination scores. One phenomenon that is capable of causing
such score misrepresentation is item parameter drift (IPD). This paper reviews
the concept of IPD, causes and consequences of drift. It throws light on some
methods for detecting IPD along with its implication on decision making with
regards to judgement after detecting drift.
Keywords: Item parameter, Drift, Certificate examinations, Implication, Decision
making
Dr (Mrs) Matilda Uvie Orheruata
ITEM PARAMETER DRIFT IN CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS AND IT'S IMPLICATION ON DECISION MAKING
In certificate examinations, the validity of inferences made from the examination scores are of great importance. To make valid inferences regarding the examinee's ability, the examination scores must be true representative of the examinees knowledge. When examination scores fail to represent examinee's ability, it creates a misrepresentation that could threaten the fairness and validity of the examination scores. One phenomenon that is capable of causing such score misrepresentation is item parameter drift (IPD). This paper reviews the concept of IPD, causes and consequences of drift. It throws light on some methods for detecting IPD along with its implication on decision making with regards to judgement after detecting drift. Keywords: Item parameter, Drift, Certificate examinations, Implication, Decision making