Mathematical theory of evidence to subject expertise diagnosis

Studies showed it is important to consider learners’ level of expertise for possible steps to be taken at an early stage. A research was designed to assess the relevant level of knowledge and skills. This paper proposed the method of mathematical theory of evidence in identifying the subject matter expertise. A questionnaire consisting of thirty items representing the various kinds of knowledge and skills expected of learners at tertiary level was created. The data collected was analysed using Dempster-Shafer theory and the results indicated the degree of belief that ranges from 0 to 10. It was found that learners’ expertise can be determined using the mathematical theory of evidence fairly easily. The method provides a rule to combine expertise of students into a single and more informative hint