Nonparametric Item Response Theory for Continuous Items

• In Event: Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Item Response Theory: Studies on Estimation Methods and Model Fit

Abstract

In applying the continuous response format (CRF), test constructers usually face a critical challenge in fitting parametric models. Models involving the CRF always employ additional assumptions, and it becomes increasingly difficult for test data to meet the requirements. This study, therefore, proposes the nonparametric item response theory for continuous items (NIRTC) to provide a more flexible method/model for analyzing continuous data. Two simulation studies were conducted to build the methodology of test constructions while applying NIRTC. The results revealed that the H coefficient was appropriate for evaluating test quality, and the automatic item selection procedure was efficient in building NIRTC scales. The NIRTC is ready for practical applications. Likewise, more studies to further validate the usefulness of NIRTC are necessary.

Authors

• Jyun-Hong Chen, National Sun Yat-sen University

• Ching-Lin Shih, National Sun Yat-sen Universit

• Shu-Ying Chen, National Chung Cheng University