a-stratified multistage computerized adaptive testing with b blocking

Chang & Ying's (1999) computerized adaptive testing item-selection procedur e stratifies the item bank according to a parameter values and requires b p arameter values to be evenly distributed across all strata. Thus, a and b p arameter values must be incorporated into how strata are formed. A refineme nt is proposed, based on Weiss' (1973) stratification of items according to b values. Simulation studies using a retired item bank of a Graduate Recor d Examination test indicate that the new approach improved control of item exposure rates and reduced mean squared errors.