Item response theory
Abstract
This study was performed to show advantages of Item Response THeory (IRT) over Classical Test Theory (CTT). Item Response THeory is a complex theory with many applications. This study used one application, test analysis. Ten items from a social psychology midterm were analyzed in order to show how IRT is more accurate than CTT, because IRT has the ability to add and delete individual items. Also, IRT features the Item Characteristic Curve (ICC) to give an easy to read interpretation of the results. The results showed the levels of the three indexes, item discrimination, difficulty, and guessing. The results indicated in which area each item was weak or strong. With this information, suggestions can be made to improve the item and ultimately improve the measurement accuracy of the entire test. Classical Test Theory cannot do this on individual item basis without changing the accuracy of the entire test. The results of this study confirm that IRT can be used to analyze individual items and allow for the improvement or revision of the item. This means IRT can be used for test analysis in a more efficient and accurate manner than CTT. This study provides an introduction to Item Response Theory in the hopes that more research will be performed to establish IRT as a commonly used tool for improving testing measurement.
Notes
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Thesis Completion
2001
Semester
Summer
Advisor
Newlin, Michael H.
Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree Program
Psychology
Subjects
Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic;Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences
Format
Identifier
DP0021670
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Document Type
Honors in the Major Thesis
Recommended Citation
Inman, Robin F., "Item response theory" (2001). HIM 1990-2015. 281.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses1990-2015/281