Two unresolved implementation issues with logistic regression (LR) for differential item functioning (DIF) detection include ability purification and effect size use. Purification is suggested to control inaccuracies in DIF detection as a result of DIF items in the ability estimate. Additionally, effect size use may be beneficial in controlling…

This article examines three typical approaches to alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities--portfolios, performance assessments, and rating scales. A detailed analysis of common and unique design features of these approaches is provided, including features of each approach that influence the psychometric quality of…

Purpose: To develop a brief family support function scale for Chinese high school students (FSFS-CHSS). Methods: Standard procedures for scale development (identification of conceptual model, literature review, item selection and modification using consumer and expert panels and item reduction techniques) were used to develop a 17-item scale.…

Background: The prevalence and consequences of anger and aggression in people with intellectual disability (ID) are of great concern. It is essential that appropriate assessment tools are developed to aid formulation of treatments and to evaluate progress and outcomes. Method: This study evaluates the "Dundee Provocation Inventory" (DPI), a…

This study was conducted in order to evaluate available linking techniques for forming large item pools and to make recommendations as to which techniques should be used under various circumstances. Variables of interest included calibration model and procedure, sample size, overlap level, and linking procedure. The calibration models considered…

THE RESULTS OF THIS STUDY CLEARLY INDICATE THE INADVISABILITY OF ATTEMPTING TO PERFORM ITEM ANALYSES BASED UPON SMALL SAMPLES. THE SINGLE ITEM DISCRIMINATION INDEX BASED UPON SAMPLES OF SIZE 15, 30, OR 60, HAS LITTLE OR NO VALUE. THOSE BASED UPON SAMPLES OF 120 ARE ONLY INDICATIVE IN NATURE. (LP)

The objectives of this study were to first determine whether or not the empirical item analysis of domain referenced tests (DR) was justified; and second, in the event that it was, which of a set of recommended procedures was most effective for determining item quality. The analysis that followed led to the conclusion that empirical procedures…

Given a sample of responses to a pair of questionnaire items with interval scale values it is sometimes of interest to know the degree to which respondents select the same response for both items. The coefficient of equality measures the departure from independence in the direction of equality. (RC)

The relationship between criterion, test items, and instruction is discussed to show the problems of the pretest and posttest evaluation of criterion referenced items. (JY)

Estimation of the parameters of the Rasch model is considered when both the item parameters and the ability parameters are considered random quantities. (RB)

Some suggestions for measuring marginal symmetry in agreement matrices for categorical data are discussed, together with measures of item-by-item agreement conditional on marginal asymmetry. Connections with intraclass correlations for dichotomous data are noted. (Author)