2003•Applied Psychological MeasurementRequires access

Using Classical Test Theory in Combination with Item Response Theory

Timo M. Bechger, Gunter Maris, Huub H. F. M. Verstralen, Anton A. Béguin

Open publisher page 87 citations

Abstract

This study is about relations between classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). It is shown that CTT is based on the assumption that measures are exchangeable, whereas IRT is based on conditional independence. Thus, IRT is presented as an extension of CTT, and concepts from both theories are related to one another. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that IRT can be used to provide CTT statistics in situations where CTT fails. Reliability, for instance, can be determined even though a test was not administered to the intended population.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

This study is about relations between classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). It is shown that CTT is based on the assumption that measures are exchangeable, whereas IRT is based on conditional independence. Thus, IRT is presented as an extension of CTT, and concepts from both theories are related to one another. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that IRT can be used to provide CTT statistics in situations where CTT fails. Reliability, for instance, can be determined even though a test was not administered to the intended population.

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OpenAlex reports 87 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

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Available abstract

This study is about relations between classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). It is shown that CTT is based on the assumption that measures are exchangeable, whereas IRT is based on conditional independence. Thus, IRT is presented as an extension of CTT, and concepts from both theories are related to one another. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that IRT can be used to provide CTT statistics in situations where CTT fails. Reliability, for instance, can be determined even though a test was not administered to the intended population.

Key concepts: Item response theory, Classical test theory, Test theory, Independence (probability theory), Reliability (semiconductor), Extension (predicate logic), Test (biology), Econometrics

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