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On Latent Trait Estimation in Multidimensional Compensatory Item Response Models

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  • Chun Wang

Abstract

Making inferences from IRT-based test scores requires accurate and reliable methods of person parameter estimation. Given an already calibrated set of item parameters, the latent trait could be estimated either via maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) or using Bayesian methods such as maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation or expected a posteriori (EAP) estimation. In addition, Warm’s (Psychometrika 54:427–450, 1989 ) weighted likelihood estimation method was proposed to reduce the bias of the latent trait estimate in unidimensional models. In this paper, we extend the weighted MLE method to multidimensional models. This new method, denoted as multivariate weighted MLE (MWLE), is proposed to reduce the bias of the MLE even for short tests. MWLE is compared to alternative estimators (i.e., MLE, MAP and EAP) and shown, both analytically and through simulations studies, to be more accurate in terms of bias than MLE while maintaining a similar variance. In contrast, Bayesian estimators (i.e., MAP and EAP) result in biased estimates with smaller variability. Copyright The Psychometric Society 2015

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  • Chun Wang, 2015. "On Latent Trait Estimation in Multidimensional Compensatory Item Response Models," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 80(2), pages 428-449, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:psycho:v:80:y:2015:i:2:p:428-449
    DOI: 10.1007/s11336-013-9399-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chun Wang & Hua-Hua Chang, 2011. "Item Selection in Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Testing—Gaining Information from Different Angles," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 76(3), pages 363-384, July.
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    12. Chun Wang & Hua-Hua Chang & Keith Boughton, 2011. "Kullback–Leibler Information and Its Applications in Multi-Dimensional Adaptive Testing," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 76(1), pages 13-39, January.
    13. Jinming Zhang & Minge Xie & Xiaolan Song & Ting Lu, 2011. "Investigating the Impact of Uncertainty About Item Parameters on Ability Estimation," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 76(1), pages 97-118, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sandip Sinharay, 2015. "The Asymptotic Distribution of Ability Estimates," Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, , vol. 40(5), pages 511-528, October.
    2. Ping Chen & Chun Wang, 2021. "Using EM Algorithm for Finite Mixtures and Reformed Supplemented EM for MIRT Calibration," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 86(1), pages 299-326, March.
    3. Chun Wang & David J. Weiss & Zhuoran Shang, 2019. "Variable-Length Stopping Rules for Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Testing," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 84(3), pages 749-771, September.
    4. Ping Chen, 2017. "A Comparative Study of Online Item Calibration Methods in Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Testing," Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, , vol. 42(5), pages 559-590, October.
    5. David Magis & Norman Verhelst, 2017. "On the Finiteness of the Weighted Likelihood Estimator of Ability," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 82(3), pages 637-647, September.
    6. Xiao Li & Hanchen Xu & Jinming Zhang & Hua-hua Chang, 2023. "Deep Reinforcement Learning for Adaptive Learning Systems," Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, , vol. 48(2), pages 220-243, April.
    7. Chun Wang & Gongjun Xu & Xue Zhang, 2019. "Correction for Item Response Theory Latent Trait Measurement Error in Linear Mixed Effects Models," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 84(3), pages 673-700, September.
    8. Maxwell Hong & Lizhen Lin & Ying Cheng, 2021. "Asymptotically Corrected Person Fit Statistics for Multidimensional Constructs with Simple Structure and Mixed Item Types," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 86(2), pages 464-488, June.

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