Empirical information regarding performance of model-fit procedures has been a persistent need in measurement practice. Statistical procedures for evaluating item fit were applied to real test examples that consist of both dichotomously and polytomously scored items. The item fit statistics used in this study included the PARSCALE's G[squared],…

Three levels of a mathematics computation test were equated using the Rasch model. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders were administered different levels of the test. Lack of consistency among equatings suggested that the Rasch model did not produce a satisfactory vertical equating of this computation test. (Author/RD)

The performance of three equating methods--the presmoothed equipercentile method, the item response theory (IRT) true score method, and the IRT observed score method--were examined based on three equating criteria: the same distributions property, the first-order equity property, and the second-order equity property. The magnitude of the…

Simple sum procedure of the conditional PDF approach (plausiblity of distractor function) combined with the normal approach method was applied for estimating the plausibility functions of the distractors of the Level II vocabulary subtest items of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. In so doing, the normal ogive model was adopted for the correct…

Item responses from a standardized language arts usage and expression test were submitted to an ordering-theoretic data analysis procedure to identify the significant prerequisite relationships that underlay the data set. Responses were elicited from a sample of 81 sixth graders who took the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, Form G, Level 12 usage and…

Magnet schools have become increasingly popular as alternatives to traditional curriculum offerings and as tools to promote voluntary desegregation in urban school districts. Most evaluations of magnet schools have been concerned with monitoring objectives and compliance with regulations. Few reports assess the impact of magnet curricula on…