scholarly journals Incremental Model Fit Assessment in the Case of Categorical Data: Tucker–Lewis Index for Item Response Theory Modeling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Cai ◽  
Seung Won Chung ◽  
Taehun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Item Response Theory ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Response Theory ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Fit Statistics ◽  
Tucker Lewis Index

AbstractThe Tucker–Lewis index (TLI; Tucker & Lewis, 1973), also known as the non-normed fit index (NNFI; Bentler & Bonett, 1980), is one of the numerous incremental fit indices widely used in linear mean and covariance structure modeling, particularly in exploratory factor analysis, tools popular in prevention research. It augments information provided by other indices such as the root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA). In this paper, we develop and examine an analogous index for categorical item level data modeled with item response theory (IRT). The proposed Tucker–Lewis index for IRT (TLIRT) is based on Maydeu-Olivares and Joe's (2005) $$M_2$$ M 2 family of limited-information overall model fit statistics. The limited-information fit statistics have significantly better Chi-square approximation and power than traditional full-information Pearson or likelihood ratio statistics under realistic situations. Building on the incremental fit assessment principle, the TLIRT compares the fit of model under consideration along a spectrum of worst to best possible model fit scenarios. We examine the performance of the new index using simulated and empirical data. Results from a simulation study suggest that the new index behaves as theoretically expected, and it can offer additional insights about model fit not available from other sources. In addition, a more stringent cutoff value is perhaps needed than Hu and Bentler's (1999) traditional cutoff criterion with continuous variables. In the empirical data analysis, we use a data set from a measurement development project in support of cigarette smoking cessation research to illustrate the usefulness of the TLIRT. We noticed that had we only utilized the RMSEA index, we could have arrived at qualitatively different conclusions about model fit, depending on the choice of test statistics, an issue to which the TLIRT is relatively more immune.

Mokken Scale Analysis: Discussion and Application

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 672-695
Author(s):  
Thomas DeVaney
Keyword(s):  
Item Response Theory ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Scale Analysis ◽  
Guttman Scale ◽  
Response Theory ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Mokken Scale Analysis ◽  
Irt Models ◽  
Guttman Scaling

This article presents a discussion and illustration of Mokken scale analysis (MSA), a nonparametric form of item response theory (IRT), in relation to common IRT models such as Rasch and Guttman scaling. The procedure can be used for dichotomous and ordinal polytomous data commonly used with questionnaires. The assumptions of MSA are discussed as well as characteristics that differentiate a Mokken scale from a Guttman scale. MSA is illustrated using the mokken package with R Studio and a data set that included over 3,340 responses to a modified version of the Statistical Anxiety Rating Scale. Issues addressed in the illustration include monotonicity, scalability, and invariant ordering. The R script for the illustration is included.

scholarly journals Examination of Different Item Response Theory Models on Tests Composed of Testlets

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
Esin Yilmaz Kogar ◽  
Hülya Kelecioglu
Keyword(s):  
Item Response Theory ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Meaningful Difference ◽  
Response Theory ◽  
Size Change ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Testlet Response Theory ◽  
Item Response Theory Models

The purpose of this research is to first estimate the item and ability parameters and the standard error values related to those parameters obtained from Unidimensional Item Response Theory (UIRT), bifactor (BIF) and Testlet Response Theory models (TRT) in the tests including testlets, when the number of testlets, number of independent items, and sample size change, and then to compare the obtained results. Mathematic test in PISA 2012 was employed as the data collection tool, and 36 items were used to constitute six different data sets containing different numbers of testlets and independent items. Subsequently, from these constituted data sets, three different sample sizes of 250, 500 and 1000 persons were selected randomly. When the findings of the research were examined, it was determined that, generally the lowest mean error values were those obtained from UIRT, and TRT yielded a mean of error estimation lower than that of BIF. It was found that, under all conditions, models which take into consideration the local dependency have provided a better model-data compatibility than UIRT, generally there is no meaningful difference between BIF and TRT, and both models can be used for those data sets. It can be said that when there is a meaningful difference between those two models, generally BIF yields a better result. In addition, it has been determined that, in each sample size and data set, item and ability parameters and correlations of errors of the parameters are generally high.

A Bifactor Multidimensional Item Response Theory Model for Differential Item Functioning Analysis on Testlet-Based Items

2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 604-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirotaka Fukuhara ◽  
Akihito Kamata
Keyword(s):  
Item Response Theory ◽  
Differential Item Functioning ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Estimation Method ◽  
Multidimensional Item Response Theory ◽  
Multidimensional Item Response ◽  
Response Theory ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Item Functioning

A differential item functioning (DIF) detection method for testlet-based data was proposed and evaluated in this study. The proposed DIF model is an extension of a bifactor multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) model for testlets. Unlike traditional item response theory (IRT) DIF models, the proposed model takes testlet effects into account, thus estimating DIF magnitude appropriately when a test is composed of testlets. A fully Bayesian estimation method was adopted for parameter estimation. The recovery of parameters was evaluated for the proposed DIF model. Simulation results revealed that the proposed bifactor MIRT DIF model produced better estimates of DIF magnitude and higher DIF detection rates than the traditional IRT DIF model for all simulation conditions. A real data analysis was also conducted by applying the proposed DIF model to a statewide reading assessment data set.

scholarly journals Robustness of Projective IRT to Misspecification of the Underlying Multidimensional Model

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 362-375
Author(s):  
Tyler Strachan ◽  
Edward Ip ◽  
Yanyan Fu ◽  
Terry Ackerman ◽  
Shyh-Huei Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Item Response Theory ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Simulation Studies ◽  
Response Theory ◽  
Computational Stability ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Response Data ◽  
Higher Dimensional

As a method to derive a “purified” measure along a dimension of interest from response data that are potentially multidimensional in nature, the projective item response theory (PIRT) approach requires first fitting a multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) model to the data before projecting onto a dimension of interest. This study aims to explore how accurate the PIRT results are when the estimated MIRT model is misspecified. Specifically, we focus on using a (potentially misspecified) two-dimensional (2D)-MIRT for projection because of its advantages, including interpretability, identifiability, and computational stability, over higher dimensional models. Two large simulation studies (I and II) were conducted. Both studies examined whether the fitting of a 2D-MIRT is sufficient to recover the PIRT parameters when multiple nuisance dimensions exist in the test items, which were generated, respectively, under compensatory MIRT and bifactor models. Various factors were manipulated, including sample size, test length, latent factor correlation, and number of nuisance dimensions. The results from simulation studies I and II showed that the PIRT was overall robust to a misspecified 2D-MIRT. Smaller third and fourth simulation studies were done to evaluate recovery of the PIRT model parameters when the correctly specified higher dimensional MIRT or bifactor model was fitted with the response data. In addition, a real data set was used to illustrate the robustness of PIRT.

scholarly journals Entropy-Based Measures for Person Fit in Item Response Theory

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (7) ◽  
pp. 512-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
William R. Dardick ◽  
Brandi A. Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Item Response Theory ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Response Patterns ◽  
Person Fit ◽  
Response Theory ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Irt Models

This article introduces three new variants of entropy to detect person misfit ( Ei, EMi, and EMRi), and provides preliminary evidence that these measures are worthy of further investigation. Previously, entropy has been used as a measure of approximate data–model fit to quantify how well individuals are classified into latent classes, and to quantify the quality of classification and separation between groups in logistic regression models. In the current study, entropy is explored through conceptual examples and Monte Carlo simulation comparing entropy with established measures of person fit in item response theory (IRT) such as lz, lz*, U, and W. Simulation results indicated that EMi and EMRi were successfully able to detect aberrant response patterns when comparing contaminated and uncontaminated subgroups of persons. In addition, EMi and EMRi performed similarly in showing separation between the contaminated and uncontaminated subgroups. However, EMRi may be advantageous over other measures when subtests include a small number of items. EMi and EMRi are recommended for use as approximate person-fit measures for IRT models. These measures of approximate person fit may be useful in making relative judgments about potential persons whose response patterns do not fit the theoretical model.

scholarly journals Estimating the Political Center from Aggregate Data: An Item Response Theory Alternative to the Stimson Dyad Ratios Algorithm

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony J. McGann
Keyword(s):  
Item Response Theory ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Median Voter ◽  
Theory Model ◽  
Free Software ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
The Political ◽  
Response Theory ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Political Center

This article provides an algorithm to produce a time-series estimate of the political center (or median voter) from aggregate survey data, even when the same questions are not asked in most years. This is compared to the existing Stimson dyad ratios approach, which has been applied to various questions in political science. Unlike the dyad ratios approach, the model developed here is derived from an explicit model of individual behavior—the widely used item response theory model. I compare the results of both techniques using the data on public opinion from the United Kingdom from 1947 to 2005 from Bartle, Dellepiane-Avellaneda, and Stimson. Measures of overall model fit are provided, as well as techniques for testing model's assumptions and the fit of individual items. Full code is provided for estimation with free software WinBUGS and JAGS.

scholarly journals Establishing Thresholds for Meaningful Within-individual Change Using Longitudinal Item Response Theory

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakob Bue Bjorner ◽  
Berend Terluin ◽  
Andrew Trigg ◽  
Jinxiang Hu ◽  
Keri J.S. Brady ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Item Response Theory ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Individual Change ◽  
Response Theory ◽  
Traditional Methods ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Score Improvement ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Longitudinal Item Response

Abstract PURPOSE: Thresholds for meaningful within-individual change (MWIC) are useful for interpreting patient-reported outcome measures (PROM). Transition ratings (TR) have been recommended as anchors to establish MWIC. Traditional statistical methods for analyzing MWIC such as mean change analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and predictive modeling ignore problems of floor/ceiling effects and measurement error in the PROM scores and the TR item. We present a novel approach to MWIC estimation for multi-item scales using longitudinal item response theory (LIRT).METHODS: A Graded Response LIRT model for baseline and follow-up PROM data was expanded to include a TR item measuring latent change. The LIRT threshold parameter for the TR established the MWIC threshold on the latent metric, from which the observed PROM score MWIC threshold was estimated. We compared the LIRT approach and traditional methods using an example data set with baseline and three follow-up assessments differing by magnitude of score improvement, variance of score improvement, and baseline-follow-up score correlation.RESULTS: The LIRT model provided good fit to the data. LIRT estimates of observed PROM MWIC varied between 3 and 4 points score improvement. In contrast, results from traditional methods varied from 2 points to 10 points - strongly associated with proportion of self-rated improvement. Best agreement between methods was seen when approximately 50% rated their health as improved.CONCLUSION : Results from traditional analyses of anchor-based MWIC are impacted by study conditions. LIRT constitutes a promising and more robust analytic approach to identifying thresholds for MWIC.

scholarly journals Score production and quantitative methods used by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners for postexam analyses

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Himelfarb ◽  
Bruce L. Shotts ◽  
Nai-En Tang ◽  
Margaret Smith
Keyword(s):  
Item Response Theory ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Standardized Test ◽  
Item Analysis ◽  
Objective Measures ◽  
Data Validation ◽  
Response Theory ◽  
Data Set ◽  
National Board

Objective: The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) uses a robust system for data analysis. The aim of this work is to introduce the reader to the process of score production and the quantitative methods used by the psychometrician and data analysts of the NBCE. Methods: The NBCE employs data validation, diagnostic analyses, and item response theory–based modeling of responses to estimate test takers' abilities and item-related parameters. For this article, the authors generated 1303 synthetic item responses to 20 multiple-choice items with 4 response options to each item. These data were used to illustrate and explain the processes of data validation, diagnostic item analysis, and item calibration based on item response theory. Results: The diagnostic item analysis is presented for items 1 and 5 of the data set. The 3-parameter logistic item response theory model was used for calibration. Numerical and graphical results are presented and discussed. Conclusion: Demands for data-driven decision making and evidence-based effectiveness create a need for objective measures to be used in educational program reviews and evaluations. Standardized test scores are often included in that array of objective measures. With this article, we offer transparency of score production used for NBCE testing.

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