Leventhal, Brian
(2017)
Extreme Response Style: Which Model is Best?
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
More robust and rigorous psychometric models, such as multidimensional Item Response Theory
models, have been advocated for survey applications. However, item responses may be influenced
by construct-irrelevant variance factors such as preferences for extreme response options. Through
empirical and simulation methods, this study evaluates the use of the IRTree Model, the
multidimensional nominal response model, and the modified generalized partial credit model
designed to account for extreme response tendencies. The modified generalized partial credit
model was found to have the best overall fit in terms of test-level, item-level, and person-level
posterior predictive model checks performed. Estimation of this model also resulted in the lowest
mean squared error between observed total score and expected total score. The multidimensional
nominal response model had the lowest deviance information criterion among the three models.
The empirical study, data validation from the simulation study, and the simulation results provided
evidence that the IRTree Model was measuring a unique construct-irrelevant variance factor
compared to the two other methods. For all simulation conditions of sample size (500, 1000),
survey length (10, 20), and number of response options (4, 6), the modified generalized partial
credit model had the most adequate model fit with respect to mean item mean squared error. The
multidimensional nominal response model was found equally suitable for surveys measuring one
substantive trait when responses to 10 4-option forced-choice Likert-type items were explored.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
| Creators | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Leventhal, Brian | brl38@pitt.edu | brl38@pitt.edu | |
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| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
19 April 2017 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
13 March 2017 |
| Approval Date: |
19 April 2017 |
| Submission Date: |
11 April 2017 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
179 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Education > Psychology in Education |
| Degree: |
PhD - Doctor of Philosophy |
| Thesis Type: |
Doctoral Dissertation |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
extreme response style; multidimensional item response theory; response scales |
| Date Deposited: |
19 Apr 2017 21:14 |
| Last Modified: |
20 Apr 2017 05:15 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/31405 |
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