A Comparison Between Linear IRT Observed‐Score Equating and Levine Observed‐Score Equating Under the Generalized Kernel Equating Framework

In this article, linear item response theory (IRT) observed-score equating is compared under a generalized kernel equating framework with Levine observed-score equating for nonequivalent groups with anchor test design. Interestingly, these two equating methods are closely related despite being based on different methodologies. Specifically, when using data from IRT models, linear IRT observed-score equating is virtually identical to Levine observed-score equating. This leads to the conclusion that poststratification equating based on true anchor scores can be viewed as the curvilinear Levine observed-score equating.