Abstract
The objective of this research is to examine
dimensionality of the data set obtained from the test takers’ responses to the
PISA 2012 reading literacy test by comparing item parameters, and item level
model data fits estimated based on the two-parameter logistic model and the
bifactor model. The PISA 2012 Reading Literacy Test Booklet 12, including
fourteen items related to four reading texts, was conducted on a group of 284
students. Model comparisons were done based on item discrimination parameters,
S-χ2 item fit statistics, and the index of explained common variance
calculated based on item parameters. Results of the analyses indicate that item
discrimination parameters estimated on the general dimension are similar to the
two-parameter logistic model item parameters. The bifactor model provided some
improvement on the item level fit over the one-dimensional model, however this
improvement is not meaningful. Both models produced similar results in terms of
the item data fit. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the general
dimension representing reading comprehension skill is the dominant dimension
underlying the data, and the text effect is small enough to accept that the
data holds (essential) the unidimensionality assumption.