Various models have been proposed for analyzing dichotomous test or questionnaire items which were constructed to reflect an assumed underlying structure (e.g., hierarchical). This paper shows that many such models are special cases of latent class analysis and discusses a currently available computer program to analyze them. (Author/JKS)

Items from the Leiter International Performance Scale (LIPS) were analyzed for their conceptual versus perceptual character; these item groupings were then used to create intratest LIPS profiles for 16 language-disordered and 16 children aged 4.4 to 5.5, who were matched for CA, sex, and Leiter IQ. (Author)

Strategies for assessing item bias are discussed. Correct response probabilities in latent trait models are compared conditional on latent ability. Probabilities are compared conditional on the observed test score in Scheuneman's method. A method to assess item bias and distinguish between uniform and nonuniform bias is described. (Author/DWH)

The practicality of using the EM algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation of item parameters in the marginal distribution is presented. The EM procedure is shown to apply to general item-response models. (Author/JKS)

Divided the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Pd scale into obvious (O), neutral (N), and subtle (S) subscales. Using college students results were: Pd-O scores were the most powerful predictor of criterion; Pd-S scores made a smaller but unique contribution; and Pd-N scores made no contribution not already in Pd-O criterion…

This paper examines the properties of the Item Efficiency Index proposed by Neill and Jackson (1976; EJ 137 077) for minimum redundancy item analysis. (Author/BW)

Both the binomial and beta-binomial models are applied to various problems occurring in mental test theory. The paper reviews and critiques these models. The emphasis is on the extensions of the models that have been proposed in recent years, and that might not be familiar to many educators. (Author)

A rating response mechanism for ordered categories such as in Likert scaling, which is related to the traditional threshold formulation but distinctively different from it, is formulated. The mechanism is based on the Rasch model. Two parameters in addition to the usual Rasch parameters are identified and discussed. (Author/JKS)

A computer program which creates and stores a cumulative item covariance matrix upon each administration of an instrument is described. Use of this program would facilitate keeping a constant log on reliability in situations in which the test is administered to different groups over a period of time. (Author/JKS)

The G index is a measure of similarity between pairs of dichotomized items. The G index is generalized here to the case where items are trichotomized. (JKS)

The effect of stratified sampling of items based on item difficulty and/or interitem correlations on the estimation of test score distribution parameters using multiple matrix sampling was studied. Results indicated that stratification did not consistently improve the stability of parameter estimation. (Author/JKS)

Examines the two issues of system dimensionality and situational discrimination in a research program which entailed the training of observers on two classroom observation systems, followed by their involvement in a classroom observation experiment. (RC)