A Comment on Birnbaum’s Three-Parameter Logistic Model in the Latent Trait Theory
- 1 June 1973
- journal article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Psychometrika
- Vol. 38 (2) , 221-233
- https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02291115
Abstract
Birnbaum's three-parameter logistic model for the multiple-choice item in the latent trait theory is considered with respect to the item response information function and the unique maximum condition. It is clarified that with models of knowledge or random guessing nature, which include the three-parameter logistic model, the unique maximum condition is not satisfied for the correct answer, and the item response information function is negative for the interval (− ∞, θg). It is suggested that we should use θg as a criterion in selecting optimal items for a specified group of examinees, so that we can practically avoid the possibility of non-unique maxima of the likelihood function on the response pattern given by an examinee in the group.Keywords
This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
- Estimation of Latent Ability Using a Response Pattern of Graded ScoresPsychometrika, 1969
- An Analysis of the Verbal Scholastic Aptitude Test Using Birnbaum's Three-Parameter Logistic ModelEducational and Psychological Measurement, 1968
- Application of the Graded Responses Model to the Nominal Response and Multiple-Choice SituationsPublished by American Psychological Association (APA) ,1968