This handbook explains how to do Rasch measurement. The emphasis is on practice, but theoretical explanations are also provided. The Forward contains an introduction to the topic of Rasch measurement. Chapters 2, 4, 5, and 7 use a small problem to illustrate the application of Rasch measurement in detail, and methodological issues are considered…

The central idea in building and maintaining an item bank is to calibrate all the items onto a "common variable." The arithmetic involved in the calibration process is presented. It is recommended that an analysis of fit be done in every application to verify that the estimates of item difficulties are in fact sample-free. These…

Cliff's Index "c" derived from an item dominance matrix is utilized in a clustering approach, termed extracting Reliable Guttman Orders (ERGO), to isolate Guttman-type item hierarchies. A comparison of factor analysis to the ERGO is made on social distance data involving multiple ethnic groups. (Author/BW)

This National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) instructional module compares classical test theory and item response theory and describes their applications in test development. Related concepts, models, and methods are explored; and advantages and disadvantages of each framework are reviewed. (SLD)

A study was undertaken to develop guidelines for the interpretation of the parameters of three multidimensional item response theory models and to determine the relationship between the parameters and traditional concepts of item difficulty and discrimination. The three models considered were multidimensional extensions of the one-, two-, and…

In Rasch terminology, two or more tests are linked when they are joined into a pool related to a single scale. When the same item calibrates at a low level on one test and a high level on a second test, it indicates that the item is low on the first test because the other items on that test are higher, and is high on the second test because the…

A strategy for overcoming problems with the Rasch model's inability to handle missing data involves a pairwise algorithm which manipulates the data matrix to separate out the information needed for the estimation of item difficulty parameters in a test. The method of estimation compares two or three items at a time, separating out the ability…

The goal of test item writing is to create measures of the true achievement dimensions desired, not extraneous abilities or related skills. To encourage university instructors to apply newer test item writing technologies to test construction for course examinations, this paper: (1) sets forth basic principles for quality item writing; (2) reviews…

Greater knowledge about the practical application of Rasch technology can help in avoiding misapplications and confusions in testing programs. Equal interval curriculum-based scaling makes possible the following improvements in measuring basic skills achievement by enabling testing programs to: (1) individualize the difficulty level of…