Computerized adaptive testing with decision regression trees: an alternative to item response theory for quality of life measurement in multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The aim of this study was to propose an alternative approach to item response theory (IRT) in the development of computerized adaptive testing (CAT) in quality of life (QoL) for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This approach relied on decision regression trees (DRTs). A comparison with IRT was undertaken based on precision and validity properties.

Materials and methods

DRT- and IRT-based CATs were applied on items from a unidi-mensional item bank measuring QoL related to mental health in MS. The DRT-based approach consisted of CAT simulations based on a minsplit parameter that defines the minimal size of nodes in a tree. The IRT-based approach consisted of CAT simulations based on a specified level of measurement precision. The best CAT simulation showed the

SUBMITTER: Michel P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6016264 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature