Abstract:

The aim of this study is to compare the performances of Identity, Nominal Weights Mean, and Circle-Arc equating methods under the Non-Equivalent Groups Anchor-Test (NEAT) design. Synthetic equating functions (SFs) of the chosen equating methods (NWS and CAS) were also created using an equal weighting system ( w = 0.5). Different sizes of small examinee samples ( n = 10, 20, 50, 100) were used to equate new test forms to base test forms. Chained Equipercentile (CE) with bivariate log-linear presmoothing was used as population criterion equating function to compare the performances of the equating methods. Overall, the identity (ID) equating was the most favorable, but the NWS method produced less equating error than the ID and TL equating methods under specific simulation conditions. In the light of the findings, recommendation is given to practitioners. Limitations and directions for further research are also provided at the end of this study.

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