Response Times for Correct and Incorrect Item Responses on Computerized Adaptive Tests

This study examined the time different ability level examinees spend taking a CAT on demanding items to these examinees. It was also found that high able examinees spend more time on the pretest items, which are not tailored to the examinees ’ ability level, than do lower ability examinees. Higher able examinees showed persistence with test questions, regardless of the item’s difficulty level on operational and pretest questions they answer correctly or incorrectly. Results showed that more able students spend more time on all items, regardless of whether the items are answered correctly or incorrectly. These results were consistent for male and female examinees and for US and non-US administration sites