Training and Professional Development

  • 5/24 Workshop: Item Response Theory and Modeling

    Item Response Theory and Modeling: A Latent Variable Modeling Approach

    All day workshop- Thursday, May 24, 2018

    Tenko Raykov

    Michigan State University

    This one-day workshop is based on a latent variable modeling approach to item response theory (IRT) and item response modeling (IRM).   The workshop commences with a non-traditional approach to IRT and IRM that is based on their essential connections to other behavioral measurement methodologies.  These include classical test theory (CTT), (nonlinear) factor analysis, and logistic regression.  The flaws of earlier treatments of CTT in the context of multiple IRT and IRM discussions are pointed out, which in addition to misrepresenting CTT effectively shift away research attention to more specific rather than more generally applicable modeling and analytic procedures.  Resent research on the connections between classical test theory and IRT/IRM is then reviewed.  Using a measurement invariance examination based approach, a multiple testing method for differential item functioning is discussed that deals with limitations of an existing widely utilized procedure.  A readily applicable method for studying essential unidimensionality of multi-item measuring instruments is then obtained as a byproduct of this method.  Item response models with covariates are finally discussed.  Use of the popular software Mplus and Stata is made repeatedly and on a few occasions IRTPRO, flexMIRT, and R are utilized.  The workshop is based on an integrative approach to measurement in the behavioral and social sciences and emphasizes throughout the links between IRT and IRM on the one hand and other measurement and modeling methodologies related to them on the other hand. Register for the post-conference or the 2018 Modern Modeling Methods Conference, click here.

    This workshop will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 9:00-5:00pm in Laurel Hall, Room 102 as part of the Modern Modeling Methods conference. To register for the workshop, go to https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=2098305 

    Workshop Outline:

    0. Resources for course. Latent variables and their relevance for Item Response Theory
    (IRT) and Item Response Modeling (IRM).
    1. Introduction and overview of IRT/IRM.
    2. An example of item response modeling.
    3. Popular unidimensional IRT models.
    4. Information functions.
    5. Differential item functioning (DIF).
    6. Introduction to multidimensional IRT/IRM.
    7. Extensions and limitations of some current IRT/IRM applications.
    8. Conclusion and outlook.

    For more information, contact: Betsy at betsy@uconn.edu