The Q-matrix played a key role in implementations of diagnostic classification models (DCMs) or cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs) -- a family of psychometric models that are gaining attention in providing diagnostic information on students' mastery of cognitive attributes or skills. Using two Monte Carlo simulation studies, this dissertation…

Diagnostic classification models (DCMs) are psychometric models that can be used to estimate the presence or absence of psychological traits, or proficiency on fine-grained skills. Critical to the use of any psychometric model in practice, including DCMs, is an evaluation of model fit. Traditionally, DCMs have been estimated with maximum…

This article considers psychometric properties of composite raw scores and transformed scale scores on mixed-format tests that consist of a mixture of multiple-choice and free-response items. Test scores on several mixed-format tests are evaluated with respect to conditional and overall standard errors of measurement, score reliability, and…

Cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs) are a family of psychometric models designed to provide categorical classifications for multiple latent attributes. CDMs provide more granular evidence than other psychometric models and have potential for guiding teaching and learning decisions in the classroom. However, CDMs have primarily been conducted using…

In this article, we extend the methodology of the Cut-Score Operating Function that we introduced previously and apply it to a testing scenario with multiple independent components and different testing policies. We derive analytically the overall classification error rate for a test battery under the policy when several retakes are allowed for…

The Graded Response Model (GRM; Samejima, "Estimation of ability using a response pattern of graded scores," Psychometric Monograph No. 17, Richmond, VA: The Psychometric Society, 1969) can be derived by assuming a linear regression of a continuous variable, Z, on the trait, [theta], to underlie the ordinal item scores (Takane & de Leeuw in…

The applications of item response theory (IRT) models assume local item independence and that examinees are independent of each other. When a representative sample for psychometric analysis is selected using a cluster sampling method in a testlet-based assessment, both local item dependence and local person dependence are likely to be induced.…

Facial electromyography (EMG) is a useful physiological measure for detecting subtle affective changes in real time. A time series of EMG data contains bursts of electrical activity that increase in magnitude when the pertinent facial muscles are activated. Whereas previous methods for detecting EMG activation are often based on deterministic or…

In this study the psychometric properties of the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) were examined. Twenty-six children with spastic CP (mean age 11 years 3 months, range 8-15 years; Gross Motor Function Classification System level I n = 11, level II n = 5, level III n = 10) were included in this study. To…

Background: A recent article published in "Educational Research" on the reliability of results in National Curriculum testing in England (Newton, "The reliability of results from national curriculum testing in England," "Educational Research" 51, no. 2: 181-212, 2009) suggested that: (1) classification accuracy can be…

A decision-theoretic approach to the question of reliability in categorically scored examinations is explored. The concepts of true scores and errors are discussed as they deviate from conventional psychometric definitions and measurement error in categorical scores is cast in terms of misclassifications. A reliability measure based on…

Describes procedures for calculating conditional standard error of measurement (CSEM) and reliability of scale scores and classification of consistency of performance levels. Applied these procedures to data from the American College Testing Program's Work Keys Writing Assessment with sample sizes of 7,097, 1,035, and 1,793. Results show that the…

It has been proposed that the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status and its scoring criteria should be adjusted to utilize a half standard deviation cutoff. Evidence is provided to support the claim that less stringent criteria will lead to higher numbers classified while arriving at the same research results. This proposal is considered and,…

Results from this study indicate that a cutoff consisting of the mean plus a half standard deviation is more desirable than the original mean plus one standard deviation strategy for categorizing respondents into a "pure" identity status. Status-specific comparisons indicated groups were not significantly different on measures of…

Assessments in English that are constructed for native English speakers may not provide valid inferences about the achievement of English language learners (ELLs). The linguistic complexity of the test items that are not related to the content of the assessment may increase the measurement error, thus reducing the reliability of the assessment.…