Publication: A Bayesian approach to cognitive assessment

Martin, J. & VanLehn, K. (1995). A Bayesian approach to cognitive assessment. In P. Nichols, S. Chipman & R. L. Brennan (Eds.) Cognitively Diagnostic Assessment. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum. pp. 141-165.

Assessment of a student's knowledge is necessary to permit informed decisions concerning remediation, career moves, or teacher evaluation. However, there are many obstacles to effective cognitive assessment. In this paper, we address three. A cognitive assessment system should: (a) integrate data from multiple activites, (b) analyze the data in a statistically sound, defensible manner, and (c) provide assessments at multple grain sizes. We present OLAE, a computer assessment tool that collects data about problem solving in elementary physics, analyses that data with sound, probabilistic methods, and flexibly presents the results of analysis.

For a postscript version of a ROUGH DRAFT of the chapter, click here.