Advantages and disadvantages of joint maximum likelihood, marginal maximum likelihood, and Bayesian methods of parameter estimation in item response theory are discussed and compared. (Author)

A model developed by G. Rasch that assumes scores on some attainment tests can be realizations of a Poisson process is explained and expanded by assuming a prior distribution, with fixed but unknown parameters, for the subject parameters. How additional between-subject and within-subject factors can be incorporated is discussed. (SLD)

The economic utility of the following 5 weighting methods for evaluating consumer loan applications was determined using a sample of 443 loans: (1) unit; (2) weighted application blank; (3) chi square; (4) Bayes; and (5) regression. The unit and weighted application blank procedures were the best approaches. (SLD)

Despite advances in common factor analysis, a review of 89 studies published in four selected journals between 1963 and 1976 indicated that behavioral scientists preferred principal components analysis, followed by varimax or orthogonal rotation. Resultant row sums of squares of factor matrices from principal component analyses of real data sets…

The theoretical rationales and procedures of five adaptive computer-based instruction models were reviewed: the mathematical model, the regression model, the Bayesian probabilistic model, the testing and branching model, and artificially intelligent instructional systems. Each model is assessed for contrast of methods and forms, identifiable…

Empirical Bayes methods are shown to provide a practical alternative to standard least squares methods in fitting high dimensional models to sparse data. An example concerning prediction bias in educational testing is presented as an illustration. (Author)

Included are probability models for various strategies that contestants on the television game show, "Let's-Make-a-Deal," might use when given the option to stick with their original choice of three unopened doors or switch to the unopened door after one of the other two doors has been opened. (JJK)

Hierarchical Bayes procedures were compared for estimating item and ability parameters in item response theory. Simulated data sets from the two-parameter logistic model were analyzed using three different hierarchical Bayes procedures: (1) the joint Bayesian with known hyperparameters (JB1); (2) the joint Bayesian with information hyperpriors…

A variety of locally dependent models are introduced having individual difference parameters that may be interpreted as reflecting effective learning abilities. One version is a univariate extension of the Rasch model with a Markov property: the probability that a given individual will pass an item depends on previous items only through the…

The decision making processes of children in a probabilistic environment were studied within the context of the theory of signal detection (TSD). The relationship between the age of the child and his ability to revise decision criteria was examined, as well as the appropriateness of TSD measures and methodology with children. It was hypothesized…

Standard procedures for estimating item parameters in Item Response Theory models make no use of auxiliary information about test items, such as their format or content, or the skills they require for solution. This paper describes a framework for exploiting this information, thereby enhancing the precision and stability of item parameter…

Tailored testing provides the same information as group-administered standardized tests, but can do so using fewer items because the items administered are selected for the ability of the individual student. Thus, tailored testing offers several advantages over traditional methods. Because individual tailored tests are not timed, anxiety is…

The technical problems involved in obtaining Bayesian model estimates for the regression parameters in m similar groups are studied. The available computer programs, BPREP (BASIC), and BAYREG, both written in FORTRAN, require an amount of computer processing that does not encourage regular use. These programs are analyzed so that the performance…

A large number of seemingly diverse coefficients have been proposed as indices of dependability, or reliability, for domain-referenced and/or mastery tests. In this paper, it is shown that most of these indices are special cases of two generalized indices of agreement: one that is corrected for chance, and one that is not. The special cases of…

The assumptions of the Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT) model proposed by Kriewall are compared to those of Emrick and Adam's Mastery-Learning (ML) model. Testing, in the context of instructional management, serves three general purposes: performance evaluation (achievement of objectives), placement (classification of students for instruction), and…