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SAGE Journal User Guide

Article 1: Michael L. Thomas, M.L. (2011). The Value of Item Response Theory in Clinical Assessment: A Review. Assessment, 18(3). 291–307. DOI: 10.1177/1073191110374797

[With item response theory (IRT) beginning to supplant classical test theory, there has been a lag in the application of IRT to clinical assessments.  This study reviews the application of IRT to clinical assessments and discusses the benefits and potential value.]

Questions to Consider:

1. Describe why IRT is “predicated on the existence of latent variables.”
2.  What is the key difference between the Rasch model and the two-parameter model?
3.  Discuss one or more advantages the authors state that computer adaptive tests have over traditional instruments.

Article 2:  Gorin, J.S. (2007). Reconsidering Issues in Validity Theory. Educational Researcher, 36 (8). 456–462. DOI: 10.3102/0013189X07311607

 [With the evolution of theories and advances in research focused on research, the author of this study challenges one proposed framework for validity theory and terminology, concluding that it is flawed due to the use of methods previously demonstrated to be problematic for score use and interpretation.]

Questions to Consider:

1. Describe how the author defines validity beyond the standard definition of “The extent to which a test measures what it is supposed to measure.”
2. According to the author, why is Lissitz and Samuelsen’s argument that “the correlation between a math and English test should not be interpreted as suggesting that they measure the same concept?”
3. Based on arguments made by the author, describe why validity is comprised of both scores on a test and the inferences meant to be made by those scores.