Measuring Orthographic Processing: An Application of Item Response Theory

• In Event: Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Assessing Cognitive Ability and Processes

Abstract

Orthographic processing, the ability to perceive, access, differentiate, and arrange orthographic
knowledge, is essential for learning to recognize words visually. Despite its critical importance
in literacy acquisition, the field still lacks a tool to assess this critical cognitive ability. Therefore,
the goal of this study was to design and test a computer-based assessment of orthographic
processing. The rationale for designing the items was discussed, and the suitability of these items
was examined. Item separation reliability was .93, and person separation reliability was .93. The
analyses of differential item functioning indicated that the assessment was not culturally biased.
Item difficulty and information analyses indicated that the assessment could be improved by
adding easier items.

Authors

• Yi-Jui Iva Chen, University of California - Berkeley

• Mark R. Wilson, University of California - Berkeley