Scores estimated from multidimensional item response theory (IRT) models are not necessarily comparable across dimensions. In this article, the concept of aligned dimensions is formalized in the context of Rasch models, and two methods are described--delta dimensional alignment (DDA) and logistic regression alignment (LRA)--to transform estimated…

This paper reflects on an attempt to introduce smartphones into a blended learning context and highlights several methodological considerations relevant to the collection of mobile data. While mixed methods are now common, using this approach for investigating the challenges of mobile data collection is not as common. This study employed a mixed…

This study investigates the relationships among factor correlations, inter-item correlations, and the reliability estimates of subscores, providing a guideline with respect to psychometric properties of useful subscores. In addition, it compares subscore estimation methods with respect to reliability and distinctness. The subscore estimation…

The main purposes of this study were to develop bi-factor multidimensional item response theory (BF-MIRT) observed-score equating procedures for mixed-format tests and to investigate relative appropriateness of the proposed procedures. Using data from a large-scale testing program, three types of pseudo data sets were formulated: matched samples,…

A variety of joint space multidimensional scaling (MDS) methods have been utilized for the spatial analysis of two- or three-way dominance data involving subjects' preferences, choices, considerations, intentions, etc. so as to provide a parsimonious spatial depiction of the underlying relevant dimensions, attributes, stimuli, and/or subjects'…

The objective of this study is to examine the social profile of students who are enrolled in Basic General Education in Ecuador. Both a descriptive and multidimensional statistical analysis was carried out based on the data provided by the National Survey of Employment, Unemployment and Underemployment in 2015. The descriptive analysis shows the…

Validity evidence based on test content is of essential importance in educational testing. One source for such evidence is an alignment study, which helps evaluate the congruence between tested objectives and those specified in the curriculum. However, the results of an alignment study do not always sufficiently capture the degree to which a test…

In Ramsay curve item response theory (RC-IRT, Woods & Thissen, 2006) modeling, the shape of the latent trait distribution is estimated simultaneously with the item parameters. In its original implementation, RC-IRT is estimated via Bock and Aitkin's (1981) EM algorithm, which yields maximum marginal likelihood estimates. This method, however,…

Objective: To identify facilitative strategies that could be used in developing a tobacco cessation program for community dental practices. Methods: Nominal group technique (NGT) meetings and a card-sort task were used to obtain formative data. A cognitive mapping approach involving multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis was…

Multidimensional scaling (MDS) models for the analysis of dominance data have been developed in the psychometric and classification literature to simultaneously capture subjects' "preference heterogeneity" and the underlying dimentional structure for a set of designated stimuli in a parsimonious manner. There are two major types of latent utility…

After a test is developed, most content validation analyses shift from ascertaining domain definition to studying domain representation and relevance because the domain is assumed to be set once a test exists. We present an approach that allows for the examination of alternative domain structures based on extant test items. In our example based on…

Purpose: We examined the relationship between the quality indicator for decline in activities of daily living (ADL) and the use of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) for determining Medicaid skilled nursing facility reimbursement. Design and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using the 2004 National MDS Facility Quality Indicator reports as…

An alternative procedure for converting the multidimensional rank-order data for multidimensional scaling is suggested. Data are converted into triad-comparison data from which the proximities are obtained for multidimensional scaling. (Author/CM)

The kinds of individual differences in perceptions permitted by the weighted euclidean model for multidimensional scaling are more restrictive than those allowed by models developed by Tucker or Carroll. It is shown how problems which occur when using the more general models can be removed. (Author/JKS)

The concept of sequential estimation is introduced in multidimensional scaling. The sequential estimation method developed in this paper refers to continually updating estimates of a configuration as new observations are added. Using artificial data, the performance of this sequential method is illustrated. (Author/JKS)