ABSTRACT
During the last decade, the availability of electronic computers for the administration of tests and for on-line analysis of responses has increased enormously. This has spurred the further theoretical development and the practical application of probabilistic item response theories. First, the often quite involved numerical computations can now be done quickly and inexpensively. Second, computerized test administration allows for new testing technologies, such as adaptive strategies, which efficiently utilize the power of item response models: Testing time is reduced, and a maximum gain of information meets with a high level of testee-motivation. The work of Lord (1980) impressively demonstrates the profusion of these developments in the area of item response theory and its applications.
