Study Item Parameters of Classical and Modern Theory of Differential Aptitude Test - Is it Comparable - Abstract

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Aria

This study aimed to identify item parameters of the Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Modern Test Theory (MTT) for the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) and to examine their comparability. Difficulty level and discrimination index were estimated and correlated across models using recorded sub-test data. Results show significant correlations among parameter estimates. Rasch and IRT 1-PL best matched CTT for difficulty, while 2-PL best matched for discrimination.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Differential Aptitude Test (DAT)

Aptitude testing purpose and fairness

Test theory approaches (CTT and MTT)

Item parameters and model assumptions

| | European Journal of Educational Research
Volume 12, Issue 2, 1097-1107.
ISSN: 2165-8714
[http://www.eu-jer.com/](http://www.eu-jer.com/) | | --- | --- | Study Item Parameters of Classical and Modern Theory of Differential Aptitude Test: Is it Comparable? Farida Agus Setiawati* Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, INDONESIA Rizki Nor Amelia Universitas Negeri Semarang, INDONESIA Bambang Sumintono Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia, INDONESIA Edi Purwanta Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, INDONESIA Received: November 27, 2022 ▪ Revised: February 16, 2023 ▪ Accepted: March 14, 2023 Abstract: This study aimed to find the Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Modern Test Theory (MTT) item parameters of the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) and examined their comparability of them. The item parameters being studied are difficulty level and discrimination index. 5.024 data of the result sub-test DAT were documented by the Department of Psychology and Guidance and Counselling bureau. The parameter of classical and modern test items was estimated and correlated by examining the comparability between parameters. The results show that there is a significant correlation between item parameter estimates. The Rasch and IRT 1-PL models have the highest correlation toward CTT regarding the item difficulty level. In contrast, model 2-PL has the highest correlation toward CTT in the item discrimination index. Overall, the study concluded that CTT and MTT were comparable in estimating item parameters of DAT and thus could be used independently or complementary in developing DAT. Keywords: Classical test theory, differential aptitude test, item parameter, modern test theory. To cite this article: Setiawati, F. A., Amelia, R. N., Sumintono, B., & Purwanta, E. (2023) . Study item parameters of classical and modern theory of differential aptitude test: Is it comparable? European Journal of Educational Research, 12(2), 1097-1107. [https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.12.2.1097](https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.12.2.1097) Introduction The aptitude test is a psychological measurement instrument that measures the specific ability that involves a knowledge or skill domain (Hashmi et al., 2012; Marais, 2007; Shah & Raza, 2009) . The application of the aptitude testis most widely used in measuring readiness for secondary, tertiary, to postgraduates school (Cohen & Swerdlik, 2018) as well as checking motivation, abilities, and skills in work (Avvannavar et al., 2013) . An aptitude test must be fair and objective in identifying candidates with the greatest potential to succeed in their careers, regardless of their geographical, educational, or social background (Dewberry, 2011) . DAT was widely used in education, especially for ability identification and educational guidance for students choosing the study program. It is not easy to choose a study program to their abilities, making many Indonesian students select a different major from their potential (Masriah et al., 2018) . This is in line with research findings that some Indonesian students choose study programs not based on their talents but more than other factors, such as family, individual personality, peers, campus image, job prospects, or school of origin (Saputro, 2017) . According to Košir and Pečjak (2007), the students' mistakes in choosing college majors are a sign of indecision in selecting elections, which in the psychological construct is known as career doubts. The Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) is the most popular, especially in the educational and vocational setting (Mahakud, 2013; Mankar & Chavan, 2013) . This test is used to predict the academic performance of students (Muhid et al., 2020; Pyari et al., 2016) . DAT was presented in the form of multiple-aptitude tests. They are numerical ability (NA), verbal reasoning (VR), clerical speed and accuracy (CSA), abstract reasoning (AR), language usage (consisting of sentences and spelling), space relati

FAQs

What item parameters does the study analyze for the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT)?

The study analyzes difficulty level and discrimination index as the key item parameters.

How did the researchers evaluate whether CTT and MTT are comparable for DAT?

They estimated and correlated parameter values across classical and modern models to assess comparability.

Which models showed the highest correlation with CTT for difficulty and discrimination?

Rasch and IRT 1-PL showed the highest correlation with CTT for item difficulty level, while 2-PL showed the highest correlation with CTT for item discrimination index.

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Aria