The part of responses that is absent in the nonequivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) design can be managed to a planned missing scenario. In the context of small sample sizes, we present a machine learning (ML)-based imputation technique called chaining random forests (CRF) to perform equating tasks within the NEAT design. Specifically, seven…

This simulation study investigated to what extent departures from construct similarity as well as differences in the difficulty and targeting of scales impact the score transformation when scales are equated by means of concurrent calibration using the partial credit model with a common person design. Practical implications of the simulation…

The accuracy of certain internal consistency estimators have been questioned in recent years. The present study tests the accuracy of six reliability estimators (Cronbach's alpha, omega, omega hierarchical, Revelle's omega, and greatest lower bound) in 140 simulated conditions of unidimensional continuous data with uncorrelated errors with varying…

A Monte Carlo simulation study was conducted to examine the performance of [alpha], [lambda]2, [lambda][subscript 4], [lambda][subscript 2], [omega][subscript T], GLB[subscript MRFA], and GLB[subscript Algebraic] coefficients. Population reliability, distribution shape, sample size, test length, and number of response categories were varied…

The main purpose of this study is to examine the Type I error and statistical power ratios of Differential Item Functioning (DIF) techniques based on different theories under different conditions. For this purpose, a simulation study was conducted by using Mantel-Haenszel (MH), Logistic Regression (LR), Lord's [chi-squared], and Raju's Areas…

To reduce the impact of parameter estimation errors on IRT linking results, recent work introduced two information-weighted characteristic curve methods for dichotomous items. These two methods showed outstanding performance in both simulation and pseudo-form pseudo-group analysis. The current study expands upon the concept of information…

To reduce the chance of Heywood cases or nonconvergence in estimating the 2PL or the 3PL model in the marginal maximum likelihood with the expectation-maximization (MML-EM) estimation method, priors for the item slope parameter in the 2PL model or for the pseudo-guessing parameter in the 3PL model can be used and the marginal maximum a posteriori…

Orlando and Thissen (2000) introduced the "S - X[superscript 2]" item-fit index for testing goodness-of-fit with dichotomous item response theory (IRT) models. This study considers and evaluates an alternative approach for computing "S - X[superscript 2]" values and other factors associated with collapsing tables of observed…

To ensure the validity of the tests is to check that all items have similar results across different groups of individuals. However, differential item functioning (DIF) occurs when the results of individuals with equal ability levels from different groups differ from each other on the same test item. Based on Item Response Theory and Classic Test…

We propose a new item response theory growth model with item-specific learning parameters, or ISLP, and two variations of this model. In the ISLP model, either items or blocks of items have their own learning parameters. This model may be used to improve the efficiency of learning in a formative assessment. We show ways that the ISLP model's…

A Monte Carlo simulation study was conducted to compare fit indices used for detecting the correct latent class in three dichotomous mixture item response theory (IRT) models. Ten indices were considered: Akaike's information criterion (AIC), the corrected AIC (AICc), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), consistent AIC (CAIC), Draper's…

This research examined correlation estimates between latent abilities when using the two-dimensional and three-dimensional compensatory and noncompensatory item response theory models. Simulation study results showed that the recovery of the latent correlation was best when the test contained 100% of simple structure items for all models and…

S-X[superscript 2] is a popular item fit index that is available in commercial software packages such as "flex"MIRT. However, no research has systematically examined the performance of S-X[superscript 2] for detecting item misfit within the context of the multidimensional graded response model (MGRM). The primary goal of this study was…

The Rasch model is commonly used to calibrate multiple choice items. However, the sample sizes needed to estimate the Rasch model can be difficult to attain (e.g., consider a small testing company trying to pretest new items). With small sample sizes, auxiliary information besides the item responses may improve estimation of the item parameters.…

Traditional IRT characteristic curve linking methods ignore parameter estimation errors, which may undermine the accuracy of estimated linking constants. Two new linking methods are proposed that take into account parameter estimation errors. The item- (IWCC) and test-information-weighted characteristic curve (TWCC) methods employ weighting…