Detecting and evaluating the impact of multidimensionality using item fit statistics and principal component analysis of residuals.

Full Abstract

The purpose of this research is twofold. First is to extend the work of Smith (1992, 1996) and Smith and Miao (1991, 1994) in comparing item fit statistics and principal component analysis as tools for assessing the unidimensionality requirement of Rasch models. Second is to demonstrate methods to explore how violations of the unidimensionality requirement influence person measurement. For the first study, rating scale data were simulated to represent varying degrees of multidimensionality and the proportion of items contributing to each component. The second study used responses to a 24 item Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder scale obtained from 317 college undergraduates. The simulation study reveals both an iterative item fit approach and principal component analysis of standardized residuals are effective in detecting items simulated to contribute to multidimensionality. The methods presented in Study 2 demonstrate the potential impact of multidimensionality on norm and criterion-reference person measure interpretations. The results provide researchers with quantitative information to help assist with the qualitative judgment as to whether the impact of multidimensionality is severe enough to warrant removing items from the analysis.

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Author information

Author/s: Smith, Everett V (EV);

Affiliation: University of Illinois at Chicago, 1040 West Harrison Street, M/C 147, Chicago, IL 60607, USA. evsmith(-atsign-)uic.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Evaluation Studies; Journal Article

Journal: Journal of applied measurement (J Appl Meas), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-; vol 3 (issue 2) : pp 205-31

Dates: Created 2002/05/15; Completed 2002/06/19; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12011501, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Adult
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; psychology
Computer Simulation
Female
Humans
Male

Mass Screening - statistics & numerical data
Models, Statistical
Personality Inventory - statistics & numerical data
Principal Component Analysis
Psychometrics - statistics & numerical data
Reproducibility of Results
Students - psychology

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