Sequential generalized kernel equating: Providing comparable scores across multiple test forms with nonequivalent groups and differently measured covariates

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Main Authors: Vařejková, Michaela, Martinková, Patrícia, Potužníková, Eva
Format: Preprint
Published: 2026
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author Vařejková, Michaela
Martinková, Patrícia
Potužníková, Eva
author_facet Vařejková, Michaela
Martinková, Patrícia
Potužníková, Eva
contents Test equating using covariates may be applied to provide comparable scores from multiple test forms when no anchor items are available. However, its performance may be compromised if some of the covariates themselves are measured using different test forms. In this work, we propose sequential generalized kernel equating to account for possible differences in the distribution of covariates used in the NEC design. We evaluate the proposed approach through a simulation study within the kernel equating framework. Results indicate that equating the covariate reduces bias in equated test scores, particularly when the covariate distributions differ and the correlation between the covariate and the test score is strong. A real data example from a national high school leaving examination further demonstrates the practical application.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2605_28559
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Sequential generalized kernel equating: Providing comparable scores across multiple test forms with nonequivalent groups and differently measured covariates
Vařejková, Michaela
Martinková, Patrícia
Potužníková, Eva
Methodology
Test equating using covariates may be applied to provide comparable scores from multiple test forms when no anchor items are available. However, its performance may be compromised if some of the covariates themselves are measured using different test forms. In this work, we propose sequential generalized kernel equating to account for possible differences in the distribution of covariates used in the NEC design. We evaluate the proposed approach through a simulation study within the kernel equating framework. Results indicate that equating the covariate reduces bias in equated test scores, particularly when the covariate distributions differ and the correlation between the covariate and the test score is strong. A real data example from a national high school leaving examination further demonstrates the practical application.
title Sequential generalized kernel equating: Providing comparable scores across multiple test forms with nonequivalent groups and differently measured covariates
topic Methodology
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2605.28559