It is demonstrated, theoretically and empirically, that item sets can be selected that meet the unidimensionality assumption of most item response theory models, even though they require more than one ability for a correct response. A method for identifying such item sets for test development purposes is presented. (SLD)

Discusses strategies to construct multiple-choice exams such that they can offer insight into the thought processes of the physics student. Discusses test evaluation basics and some writing hints. (JRH)

Describes investigation examining item validity and differential item functioning (DIF) on items measuring subjective well-being and coping behavior among respondents representing 338 male and 627 female members of three ethnic groups via use of log-linear models. Results offer strong evidence of item validity and some evidence of DIF. (Author/CRR)

Notes that while traditional survey literature has addressed three possible response behaviors (unit nonresponse, item nonresponse, and complete response), Web surveys can capture data about a respondent's answering process. Claims that, based on this data, at least seven response patterns are observable. Describes these seven response patterns in…

Through a large-scale simulation study, this article compares item parameter estimates obtained by the marginal maximum likelihood estimation (MMLE) and marginal Bayes modal estimation (MBME) procedures in the 3-parameter logistic model. The impact of different prior specifications on the MBME estimates is also investigated using carefully…

Structural equation modeling allows several methods of estimating the disattenuated association between 2 or more latent variables (i.e., the measurement model). In one common approach, measurement models are specified using item parcels as indicators of latent constructs. Item parcels versus original items are often used as indicators in these…

Two studies of 5-month-old infants explored whether a phenomenon reported by K. Wynn (1992) reflects a familiarity preference instead of a mathematical competence. Experiment 1 was a conceptual replication of Wynn's study. When data were analyzed with the relatively liberal statistical approach used by Wynn, the original phenomenon was replicated.…

This study compares the parametric multiple-choice model and the nonparametric kernel smoothing approach to estimating option characteristic functions (OCCs) using an empirical criterion, the stability of curve estimates over occasions that represents random error. The potential utility of graphical OCCs in item analysis was illustrated with…

Testing is essential in education and other social science fields because many assessments, decisions, and policies are made according to the results of testing. The purpose of testing is to estimate a person's ability, that is, latent trait or construct. In a test setting, responses to a set of test items by each individual are recorded. Through…

In this paper we propose two interpretations for the discrimination parameter in the two-parameter logistic model (2PLM). The interpretations are based on the relation between the 2PLM and two stochastic models. In the first interpretation, the 2PLM is linked to a diffusion model so that the probability of absorption equals the 2PLM. The…

The standardization data for the California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition (CVLT-II; D. C. Delis, J. H. Kramer, E. Kaplan, & B. A. Ober, 2000) were used to evaluate the base rate of 6 specific discrepancies between various key variables. The results indicated that CVLT-II performance discrepancies should equal or exceed 1 or 1.5 z score…

This is a book about quality and how to control quality through deliberate actions on the part of the professionals developing and implementing the instances of instruction available at an organization. Quality control theory favors no particular learning philosophy and is only directed towards aspects of how, what, where and when measurements are…

The new IEA "International Civic and Citizenship Education Study" (ICCS) will investigate the extent to which young people are prepared to undertake their roles as citizens across a range of countries. ICCS will survey 13-to-14-year old students in over 30 countries in the year 2009. The ICCS outcome data will be obtained from representative…

The present study investigated whether two summated rating scales used in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 2003), Mathematics Self-Concept (MSC), and Students' Valuing of Mathematics (VoM) seemed appropriate, meaningful, and useful in a Swedish context. The 4,256 Swedish eighth-grade students involved in TIMSS 2003…

The study examined the effects of item format, self-concept and anxiety on response changing behaviour. Four hundred undergraduate students who offered a counseling psychology course in a Nigerian university participated in the study. Students' answers in multiple--choice and true--false formats of an achievement test were observed for response…