Assessment of Ability Estimate and Model Fit of Students in 2020 NECO Mathematics in Benue State, Nigeria
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Abstract
The basic aim of test development is to construct a test of desired quality by choosing the appropriate items through item analysis and ensuring their reliability and validity. In developing quality test items to effectively measure students’ achievement, it is pertinent that the best practices in test construction be employed by NECO. The study was guided by two research questions. The study adopts a non-experimental design. The study was carried out in the Benue State of Nigeria. The population for the study comprises 18,252 Senior Secondary School three (SSS3) student who registered and sat for the NECO Mathematics Examinations in 2020. The sample for this study consists of 1,825 students out of the 18,252 that registered and sat ‘for that Mathematics examination. The sample size was arrived at by taking 10% of the population. Data collected was analyzed using Ability Estimate and model fit statistics build in jmetrik for research questions, at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that students’ ability ranges from 0.03 above while the data was fitted into 3prarmeter logistic model Based on the results of this study it was concluded that the test items are within the acceptable ranges of ability estimate and fitted to 3-PLM can be utilized in comparing students’ latent abilities for sound educational decision in our schools. And it was recommended that examination bodies, researchers that wish to use IRT in solving measurement problems.
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