This study conducted a comprehensive comparison of Item Response Theory (IRT) linking methods applied to a bifactor model, examining their performance on both multiple choice (MC) and mixed format tests within the common item nonequivalent group design framework. Four distinct multidimensional IRT linking approaches were explored, consisting of…

This paper presents the item and test information functions of the Rank two-parameter logistic models (Rank-2PLM) for items with two (pair) and three (triplet) statements in forced-choice questionnaires. The Rank-2PLM model for pairs is the MUPP-2PLM (Multi-Unidimensional Pairwise Preference) and, for triplets, is the Triplet-2PLM. Fisher's…

In operational testing, item response theory (IRT) models for dichotomous responses are popular for measuring a single latent construct [theta], such as cognitive ability in a content domain. Estimates of [theta], also called IRT scores or [theta hat], can be computed using estimators based on the likelihood function, such as maximum likelihood…

Users of forced-choice questionnaires (FCQs) to measure personality commonly assume statement parameter invariance across contexts -- between Likert and forced-choice (FC) items and between different FC items that share a common statement. In this paper, an empirical study was designed to check these two assumptions for an FCQ assessment measuring…

Using multiple versions of an assessment has the potential to introduce item environment effects. These types of effects result in version dependent item characteristics (i.e., difficulty and discrimination). Methods to detect such effects and resulting implications are important for all levels of assessment where multiple forms of an assessment…

The growing diversity among test takers in second or foreign language (L2) assessments makes the importance of fairness front and center. This systematic review aimed to examine how fairness in L2 assessments was evaluated through differential item functioning (DIF) analysis. A total of 83 articles from 27 journals were included in a systematic…

The quality of data in surveys is affected by response burden and questionnaire length. With an increasing number of questions, respondents can become bored, tired, and annoyed and may take shortcuts to reduce the effort needed to complete the survey. In this article, direct evidence is presented on how the position of items within a web…

This study aimed to evaluate the item model fit by equating the forms of the PISA 2018 mathematics subtest with concurrent common items equating in samples from Türkiye, the UK, and Italy. The answers given in mathematics subtest Forms 2, 8, and 12 were used in this context. Analyzes were performed using the Dichotomous Rasch Model in the WINSTEPS…

Although list-style open-ended questions generally help us gain deeper insights into respondents' thoughts, opinions, and behaviors, the quality of responses is often compromised. We tested a dynamic and a follow-up design to motivate respondents to give higher quality responses than with a static design, but without overburdening them. Our…

This study employs the 4-parameter logistic item response theory model to account for the unexpected incorrect responses or slipping effects observed in a large-scale Algebra 1 End-of-Course assessment, including several innovative item formats. It investigates whether modeling the misfit at the upper asymptote has any practical impact on the…

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…

The nonequivalent-groups anchor-test (NEAT) data-collection design is commonly used in large-scale assessments. Under this design, different test groups take different test forms. Each test form has its own unique items and all test forms share a set of common items. If item response theory (IRT) models are applied to analyze the test data, the…

In educational tests, a group of questions related to a shared stimulus is called a testlet (e.g., a reading passage with multiple related questions). Use of testlets is very common in educational tests. Additionally, computerized adaptive testing (CAT) is a mode of testing where the test forms are created in real time tailoring to the test…

This study examines the efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating parallel test items compared to human-made ones. Two test forms were developed: one consisting of 20 existing human-made items and another with 20 new items generated with ChatGPT assistance. Expert reviews confirmed the content parallelism of the two test forms.…

Forced-choice questionnaires can prevent faking and other response biases typically associated with rating scales. However, the derived trait scores are often unreliable and ipsative, making interindividual comparisons in high-stakes situations impossible. Several studies suggest that these problems vanish if the number of measured traits is high.…