How can you use adaptive testing to measure complex constructs and latent variables in surveys?

Adaptive testing is a method of survey design that adjusts the difficulty and relevance of questions based on the responses of the participants. It can help you measure complex constructs and latent variables, such as personality traits, cognitive abilities, or attitudes, more efficiently and accurately than traditional fixed-item surveys. In this article, you will learn how adaptive testing works, what benefits and challenges it offers, and how to implement it in your own surveys.

1 How adaptive testing works

Adaptive testing uses an algorithm to select the next question for each participant based on their previous answers and a predefined item pool. The algorithm aims to match the difficulty and relevance of the question to the ability or trait level of the participant, so that each question provides the most information possible. For example, if a participant answers a question correctly, the algorithm will choose a harder question next, and vice versa. The algorithm also takes into account the content and format of the questions, so that they cover the construct or variable of interest in a balanced and comprehensive way.

Add your perspective

Paul Eder, PhD

Top, Top Voice on LinkedIn (142 categories) | Strategy Consulting, Artificial Intelligence, & Data Innovation | Author of FIRESTARTERS
Report contribution
Adaptive testing can be an effective method. But it takes extensive time for validation. If you have a limited budget, you may want to focus on paired choice formats that are easy to verify and deploy. Nonetheless, some variables like aptitude can benefit greatly from adaptive testing.

Like

2 Benefits of adaptive testing

Adaptive testing offers several advantages over fixed-item surveys, particularly when measuring complex constructs and latent variables. It can reduce the number of questions required to obtain reliable and valid results, saving time for both survey designers and participants. Additionally, adaptive testing increases engagement and motivation of participants as they face questions that are challenging yet relevant to their situation and goals. Furthermore, it reduces measurement error and bias by minimizing the effects of guessing, skipping, or faking responses, while also adapting to individual differences and preferences of the participants. Finally, adaptive testing allows for greater flexibility and customization by accommodating different levels of difficulty, formats, and feedback depending on the purpose and context of the survey.

Add your perspective

3 Challenges of adaptive testing

Adaptive testing has some limitations and challenges that need to be taken into account before using it for surveys. This includes having a large item pool with items calibrated and validated for difficulty, relevance, and discrimination power. Additionally, an effective algorithm needs to be employed to select the optimal items for each participant while ensuring the validity and reliability of the scores and estimates. It is also important to communicate with participants in a clear and transparent way, such as explaining how the survey works and what to expect. Lastly, a rigorous and ethical evaluation of the survey should be conducted, taking into account potential risks and benefits for participants and stakeholders.

Add your perspective

4 How to implement adaptive testing

If you want to use adaptive testing for your surveys, there are several steps and guidelines you'll need to follow to ensure a successful and ethical implementation. These include defining the construct or variable you want to measure, developing or selecting an item pool that covers the construct in a comprehensive and balanced way, choosing or designing an algorithm that can select the best items for each participant, testing and refining the survey using pilot studies or simulations, administering the survey following ethical principles, and analyzing and reporting the results using suitable methods and tools.

Add your perspective

5 Tips and resources for adaptive testing

Adaptive testing is a complex and dynamic method of survey design that requires considerable planning, preparation, and evaluation. Nonetheless, it can be an effective way of assessing complex constructs and latent variables that can improve your research and practice. To learn more about adaptive testing and apply it to your surveys, consider learning from experts in different fields such as education, psychology, health, or marketing. You can also use online platforms and software like Concerto, CAT Builder, or Winsteps to create and administer adaptive surveys. Additionally, joining online communities and networks such as IACAT, CAT Central, or LinkedIn groups can provide you with support, advice, and feedback on adaptive testing. Finally, stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments by reading journals, books, or blogs like JCAT, IJAIED, or Adaptive Testing Blog.

Add your perspective

Marieke F. van Wier

Senior researcher at VUmc
Report contribution
IRT based CAT is in my opinion only applicable to validated questionnaires, and in that way not applicable to surveys in a general sense. Otherwise the information here seems to be correct, except for the mentioned blogs, they are hallucinations.

Like

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How can you use adaptive testing to measure complex constructs and latent variables in surveys?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 How adaptive testing works

2 Benefits of adaptive testing

3 Challenges of adaptive testing

4 How to implement adaptive testing

5 Tips and resources for adaptive testing

6 Here’s what else to consider

Survey Design

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Survey Design

More relevant reading