Computer Adaptive Testing
Summary
The GMAT employs computer adaptive testing (CAT) for its quantitative and verbal sections, aiming to adjust question difficulty based on the test taker's performance, which has significant implications for scoring but not for test-taking strategies.
- CAT is used only in the math and verbal sections, not in the integrated reasoning or essay sections.
- Each question's response determines the difficulty of subsequent questions, aiming to gauge the test taker's ability level accurately.
- The algorithm behind CAT is complex, designed to vary question difficulty and does not imply that getting an easy question means the previous one was answered incorrectly.
- Test takers should focus on each question individually without trying to interpret the CAT's adjustments or predict question difficulty.
- Understanding CAT is crucial for interpreting scores, as the difficulty level of questions answered correctly or incorrectly affects the overall score more than the sheer number of correct answers.
Chapters
00:01
Understanding Computer Adaptive Testing
00:30
The Impact of CAT on Test Questions
02:16
Misconceptions and Strategies Regarding CAT
03:57
Scoring Implications of CAT
Related Blog Posts
