ERIC Number: EJ1468384
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1307-9298
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Improving Context Scale Interpretation Using Latent Class Analysis for Cut Scores
International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, v17 n2 p279-288 2025
This paper introduces an approach that uses latent class analysis to identify cut scores (LCA-CS) and categorize respondents based on context scales derived from largescale assessments like PIRLS, TIMSS, and NAEP. Context scales use Likert scale items to measure latent constructs of interest and classify respondents into meaningful ordered categories based on their response data. Unlike conventional methods reliant on human judgments to define cut points based on item content, model-based approaches such as LCA find statistically optimal groups, a categorical latent variable, that explains item score differences based on score distribution differences between latent classes. Cut scores for these classes are determined by conditional probability calculations that relate class membership to observed scores, finding the intersection point of adjacent smoothed probability distributions and connecting it to the construct. Demonstrated through application to PIRLS 2021 data, this is useful to validate existing categorizations of the context scale by human experts, and can also help to enhance classification accuracy, particularly for scales exhibiting highly skewed distributions across diverse countries. Recommendations for researchers to adopt this LCA-CS approach are provided, demonstrating its efficiency and objectivity compared to judgment-based methods.
Descriptors: Multivariate Analysis, Cutting Scores, Achievement Tests, Foreign Countries, Grade 4, International Assessment, Reading Achievement, Reading Tests, Elementary Secondary Education, Mathematics Tests, Mathematics Achievement, Science Achievement, Science Tests, National Competency Tests, Likert Scales, Statistical Distributions, Probability, Classification
International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education. T&K Akademic Rosendalsvein 45, Oslo 1166, Norway. e-mail: iejee@iejee.com; Web site: https://www.iejee.com/index.php/IEJEE/index
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Progress in International Reading Literacy Study; Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study; National Assessment of Educational Progress
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A