When no prior information of differential item functioning (DIF) exists for items in a test, either the rank-based or iterative purification procedure might be preferred. The rank-based purification selects anchor items based on a preliminary DIF test. For a preliminary DIF test, likelihood ratio test (LRT) based approaches (e.g.,…

This paper proposes an extension of linear equating that may be useful in one of two fairly common assessment scenarios. One is where different students have taken different combinations of test forms. This might occur, for example, where students have some free choice over the exam papers they take within a particular qualification. In this…

This study examined the widely used threshold of 0.2 for Yen's Q3, an index for violations of local independence. Specifically, a simulation was conducted to investigate whether Q3 values were related to the magnitude of bias in estimates of reliability, item parameters, and examinee ability. Results showed that Q3 values below the typical cut-off…

Diagnostic classification models (DCMs) are psychometric models that provide probabilistic classifications of examinees on a set of discrete latent attributes. When analyzing or constructing assessments scored by DCMs, understanding how each item influences attribute classifications can clarify the meaning of the measured constructs, facilitate…

This study presents several multivariate Generalizability theory designs for analyzing automatic item-generated (AIG) based test forms. The study used real data to illustrate the analysis procedure and discuss practical considerations. We collected the data from two groups of students, each group receiving a different form generated by AIG. A…

Limited research has explored the use of visual displays (ViDis) in science tests, making it challenging to know how these tests align with classroom instruction and what skills students need to be successful on these tests. Therefore, the current study aims to describe the use of ViDis in upper elementary grade standardized science tests. We…

Integrative data analyses have recently been shown to be an effective tool for researchers interested in synthesizing datasets from multiple studies in order to draw statistical or substantive conclusions. The actual process of integrating the different datasets depends on the availability of some common measures or items reflecting the same…

Item parameter estimation using an item response theory (IRT) model with fixed ability estimates is useful in equating with small samples on anchor items. The current study explores the impact of three ability estimation methods (weighted likelihood estimation [WLE], maximum a posteriori [MAP], and posterior ability distribution estimation [PST])…

The purpose of this study is to introduce a functional approach for modeling unfolding response data. Functional data analysis (FDA) has been used for examining cumulative item response data, but a functional approach has not been systematically used with unfolding response processes. A brief overview of FDA is presented and illustrated within the…

Running Records are thought to be an excellent formative assessment tool because they generate results that educators can use to make their teaching more responsive. Despite the technical nature of scoring Running Records and the kinds of important decisions that are attached to their analysis, few studies have investigated assessor accuracy. We…

A recurring question regarding Likert items is whether the discrete steps that this response format allows represent constant increments along the underlying continuum. This question appears unsolvable because Likert responses carry no direct information to this effect. Yet, any item administered in Likert format can identically be administered…

Question generation (QG) task plays a crucial role in adaptive learning. While significant QG performance advancements are reported, the existing QG studies are still far from practical usage. One point that needs strengthening is to consider the generation of question group, which remains untouched. For forming a question group, intrafactors…

Multidimensional achievement tests are recently gaining more importance in educational and psychological measurements. For example, multidimensional diagnostic tests can help students to determine which particular domain of knowledge they need to improve for better performance. To estimate the characteristics of candidate items (calibration) for…

This paper introduces an application of cross-classified item response theory (IRT) modeling to an assessment utilizing the embedded standard setting (ESS) method (Lewis & Cook). The cross-classified IRT model is used to treat both item and person effects as random, where the item effects are regressed on the target performance levels (target…

Item position effect (IPE) refers to situations where an item performs differently when it is administered in different positions on a test. The majority of previous research studies have focused on investigating IPE under linear testing. There is a lack of IPE research under adaptive testing. In addition, the existence of IPE might violate Item…