Small scale studies are another important component of the early item development process. Small scale studies can be classroom tryouts of items or think-alouds where students are asked what they were thinking when they responded to a particular test item. Focus groups are also used for this purpose. Responses from 50 students are typical for any given item at this phase.
Special studies are conducted for cutting edge item types. For these studies, special working groups are organized and special administrative procedures and processes are often established.