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What is Modern Test Theory?

A crash course in modern test theory

Updated this week

What is Modern Test Theory?

Modern Test Theory (MTT) is a framework used to design, analyze, and score tests in a way that provides deeper insights into individual performance and abilities. Unlike its predecessor, Classical Test Theory (CTT), which focuses on overall test scores, MTT takes into account how specific test items (questions) interact with a candidate's abilities. This allows for more precise measurements and fairer comparisons across individuals.

MTT focuses on how specific questions perform, such as their difficulty level and how well they differentiate between candidates of varying abilities. Instead of assuming all test-takers face the same level of difficulty, MTT adjusts scores based on the complexity of the questions answered. By understanding the interaction between test-takers and specific items, MTT ensures that assessments are fair and unbiased across diverse groups.

How Alva Labs Uses Modern Test Theory

At Alva Labs, Modern Test Theory is the foundation of our psychometric assessments for measuring personality and logic ability. Here’s how we apply it:

  1. Personality Assessments Our personality tests are designed to measure traits in a way that’s reliable, valid, and unbiased. We use MTT principles and Item Respons Theory (IRT) to ensure that every question contributes meaningfully to the overall result, providing a clear picture of how a candidate’s traits align with job requirements.

  2. Logic Ability Assessments Using Item Response Theory, we evaluate the difficulty and discriminatory power of each logic question. This enables us to:

    • Offer tailored difficulty levels that adapt to the candidate’s ability.

    • Provide a more accurate measure of cognitive ability in less time.

  3. Continuous Improvement With the insights provided by MTT, we constantly refine our assessments to ensure they remain predictive of workplace performance and free from bias. This means better outcomes for both recruiters and candidates.

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