This article defines the concept of Domain Theory, or, when educational measurement is the goal, one might call it a "Learning Theory of Progressive Attainments in X Domain". The concept of Domain Theory is first shown to be rooted in validity theory, then the concept of domain theory is expanded to amplify its necessary but long neglected…

This article describes a Mapmark standard setting procedure, developed under contract with the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB). The procedure enhances the bookmark method with spatially representative item maps, holistic feedback, and an emphasis on independent judgment. A rationale for these enhancements, and the bookmark method, is…

Proposes formulas for expected true-score measures and reliability of binary items as a function of their Rasch difficulty when the trait (ability) distribution is normal or logistic. Provides an illustrative example for using the proposed formulas. (SLD)

Discusses substantive scale construction and the need for Rasch measurement practitioners to give careful consideration to designing variables based on theory, item construction, and models for the analysis of data. (SLD)

Using the Rasch model for ordered categories, this paper provides a method for qualitative interpretations of data from an affective measure such as an attitude scale. This maximum information approach provides explicit qualitative information about the meaning of a score on the latent trait being assessed. (SLD)

Illustrates incremental item banking using health-related quality of life data collected from two samples of patients receiving cancer treatment (n=1,755 and n=1,544). Results support findings from previous studies that have equated separate instruments by co-calibrating their items. (SLD)

Describes a technique for obtaining item parameters of the Rasch model, a technique in which the item parameters are extracted from the eigenvectors of a matrix derived from comparisons between pairs of items. Describes advantages of this technique, which can be applied to both dichotomous and polytomous data. (SLD)

Traces the historical development of the understanding of the term "measurement" by researchers in the social sciences, and the development and use of one-way and two-way analysis of variance by researchers in the social sciences are described and evaluated. (SLD)

Presents empirically based item selection guidelines for moving the cut score on equated tests consisting of "n" dichotomous items calibrated assuming the Rasch model. Derivations of lemmas that underlie the guidelines are provided as well as a simulated example. (SLD)

Reflects on the development of the unidimensional Rasch model for ordered categories and the resistance to some of its initially counterintuitive implications, especially that the thresholds that partition the continuum to form the ordered categories can show an empirical problem with the data. (SLD)

Describes an extension to the Rasch model for fundamental measurement in which there is parameterization not only for examinee ability and item difficulty but also for judge severity. Discusses variants of this model and judging plans, and explains its use in an empirical testing situation. (SLD)

Suggests eight guidelines to aid the analyst in optimizing the manner in which rating scale categories cooperate to improve the usefulness of the resultant measures. Presents these guidelines in the context of Rasch analysis, but notes that they reflect aspects of rating scale functioning that impact all methods of analysis. (SLD)

Explores the interactions among measurement theories, reading theories, and measurement practices from a historical perspective. Describes a conceptual framework for examining the assessment of reading and reviews major research traditions in measurement theory in the 20th century. Also provides a brief history of the Rasch measurement theory in…

Describes the Rasch measurement partial credit model, what it is, how it differs from other Rasch models, and when and how to use it. Also describes the calibration of instruments with increasingly complex items. Explains pivot anchoring and illustrates its use and describes the effect of pivot anchoring on step calibrations, item hierarchy, and…

Discusses the limitations and methodological weaknesses of most popular standard setting models and presents a radically different approach to the question of setting standards, the Objective Standard Setting Model, based on the Rasch model. Also makes suggestions for new considerations of validity in standard setting. (SLD)