Equating Method for Small Sample: Comparative research on nominal weight mean and linear method

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Nominal Weight Mean Equating and Linear methods on equating using a small sample as a tool for teachers to equate students' scores in the class. This research is included in comparative research comparing two equating methods. The number of samples each replication in this research is 30. The data in the study used the UN results for mathematics subjects in 2015 DKI Jakarta area with the number of anchor items 20% of the total items (30 items). From this data, replication is 50 times for each sample. By spreading the average RMSE for each sample according to replication, the small average RMSE value shows a stable measurement result. Among these methods of securing the class, the most stable is NWME. Thus, as a suggestion for teachers to use the NWME method to equalize scores to avoid students in different classes. Thus, discrimination against students can be prevented especially in determining the completeness of learning or graduation. Keywords—equating; small sample; RMSE; nominal weight mean; linear