Premium
Unidimensional Interpretations for Multidimensional Test Items
Author(s) -
Kahraman Nilufer
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of educational measurement
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.917
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1745-3984
pISSN - 0022-0655
DOI - 10.1111/jedm.12012
Subject(s) - item response theory , test (biology) , econometrics , factorial , projection (relational algebra) , psychology , differential item functioning , statistics , psychometrics , interpretation (philosophy) , item analysis , test theory , cognitive psychology , computer science , mathematics , algorithm , paleontology , mathematical analysis , biology , programming language
This article considers potential problems that can arise in estimating a unidimensional item response theory (IRT) model when some test items are multidimensional (i.e., show a complex factorial structure). More specifically, this study examines (1) the consequences of model misfit on IRT item parameter estimates due to unintended minor item‐level multidimensionality, and (2) whether a Projection IRT model can provide a useful remedy. A real‐data example is used to illustrate the problem and also is used as a base model for a simulation study. The results suggest that ignoring item‐level multidimensionality might lead to inflated item discrimination parameter estimates when the proportion of multidimensional test items to unidimensional test items is as low as 1:5. The Projection IRT model appears to be a useful tool for updating unidimensional item parameter estimates of multidimensional test items for a purified unidimensional interpretation.