A common problem in practical educational research is that of perfect scores which result when latent trait models are used. A simple procedure for managing the perfect and zero response problem encountered in converting test scores into measures is presented. It allows the test user to chose among two or three reasonable finite representations of…

Author presents a method for calculating item factor scores which are independent of item trait scores. (MB)

A class of multidimensional latent trait models is described. The properties of the model parameters, and initial results on the accuracy of a maximum likelihood procedure for estimating the model parameters are discussed. The model presented is a special case of the general model described by Rasch (1961), with close similarities to the models…

A scaling technique known as the Method of Reciprocal Averages has been in use since the early 1930's. This technique yields a set of item response weights for a psychological inventory which maximizes the internal consistency of the inventory for a group of subjects. Although the technique has been used for many years, its mathematical…

Georg Rasch has developed a new one-parameter latent trait model to explain the performance of examinees on achievement tests. The model can be viewed as a special case of Birnbaum's two-parameter logistic model where all items are assumed to have equal discriminating power. Birnbaum's model permits items to vary in discriminating power. Both…

The Rasch model of test theory is described in general terms, compared with latent trait theory, and shown to have interesting applications for the measurement of affective as well as cognitive traits. Three assumption of the Rasch model are stated to support the conclusion that calibration of the items and tests is independent of the examinee…

A formal analysis is presented of the effects of item deletion on equating/scaling functions and reported score distributions. The phrase "item deletion" refers to the process of changing the original key of a flawed item to either all options correct, including omits, or to no options correct, i.e., not scoring the flawed item. There…

Five comparisons were made relative to the quality of estimates of ability parameters and item calibrations obtained from the one-parameter and three-parameter logistic models. The results indicate: (1) The three-parameter model fit the test data better in all cases than did the one-parameter model. For simulation data sets, multi-factor data were…

The psychometric properties associated with the "specific objectivity" of the simple logistic model are acknowledged to be far superior to those of competing models. It is therefore the ideal model to be used for test development or for the analysis of any measuring instrument developed within a well-defined psychological construct. In…

A model is presented using examinee judgements in detecting ambiguous/misinterpreted items on teacher-made criterion-referenced tests. A computational example and guidelines for constructing domain categories and interpreting the indices are presented. (Author/PN)

Problems and procedures in assessing and obtaining fit of data to the Rasch model are treated and assumptions embodied in the Rasch model are made explicit. It is concluded that statistical tests are needed which are sensitive to deviations so that more than one item parameter would be needed for each item, and more than one person parameter would…

Studied effects of students' use of calculators with 2 experimental forms of a university mathematics test taken by 765 and 725 college students, respectively. Calculator effects are not found for overall scores but are seen for some individual items. Analysis at the item level makes the actual impact apparent. (SLD)

Monte Carlo techniques are used to examine the power of the "B" statistic of R. L. Brennan (1972) to detect negatively discriminating items drawn from a variety of nonnormal population distributions. A simplified procedure is offered for conducting an item-discrimination analysis on typical classroom objective tests. (SLD)

Some stochastic approximation procedures are considered in relation to the problem of choosing a sequence of test questions to accurately estimate a given examinee's standing on a psychological dimension. Illustrations are given evaluating certain procedures in a specific context. (Author/CK)

Topics concerning latent trait theory are addressed: (1) dimensionality of latent space, local independence, and item characteristic curves; (2) models--equations, parameter estimation, testing assumptions, and goodness of fit, (3) applications test developments, item bias, tailored testing and equating; and (4) advantages over classical…