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Fitting a Thurstonian IRT model to forced-choice data using Mplus

Brown, Anna, Maydeu-Olivares, Alberto (2012) Fitting a Thurstonian IRT model to forced-choice data using Mplus. Behavior Research Methods, 44 (4). pp. 1135-1147. ISSN 1554-351X. (doi:10.3758/s13428-012-0217-x) (KAR id:29753)

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Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.3758/s13428-012-0217-x

Abstract

To counter response distortions associated with the use of rating scales (a. k. a. Likert scales), items can be presented in a comparative fashion, so that respondents are asked to rank the items within blocks (forced-choice format). However, classical scoring procedures for these forced-choice designs lead to ipsative data, which presents psychometric challenges that are well described in the literature. Recently, Brown and Maydeu-Olivares (Educational and Psychological Measurement 71: 460-502, 2011a) introduced a model based on Thurstone's law of comparative judgment, which overcomes the problems of ipsative data. Here, we provide a step-by-step tutorial for coding forced-choice responses, specifying a Thurstonian item response theory model that is appropriate for the design used, assessing the model's fit, and scoring individuals on psychological attributes. Estimation and scoring is performed using Mplus, and a very straightforward Excel macro is provided that writes full Mplus input files for any forced-choice design. Armed with these tools, using a forced-choice design is now as easy as using ratings.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.3758/s13428-012-0217-x
Uncontrolled keywords: Forced-choice format; Ipsative data; Mplus; Multidimensional IRT; Thurstonian IRT model
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HA Statistics
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Funders: Isaac Newton Trust (https://ror.org/02gn6ta77)
Depositing User: Anna Brown
Date Deposited: 29 Jun 2012 08:24 UTC
Last Modified: 12 Jul 2022 10:40 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/29753 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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