To what extent are item discrimination values realistic? A new index for two-dimensional structures

Year 2022, Volume: 9 Issue: 3, 728 - 740, 30.09.2022

Abdullah Faruk Kılıç İbrahim Uysal

https://doi.org/10.21449/ijate.1098757

Abstract

Most researchers investigate the corrected item-total correlation of items when analyzing item discrimination in multi-dimensional structures under the Classical Test Theory, which might lead to underestimating item discrimination, thereby removing items from the test. Researchers might investigate the corrected item-total correlation with the factors to which that item belongs; however, getting a general overview of the entire test is impossible. Based on this problem, this study aims to recommend a new index to investigate item discrimination in two-dimensional structures through a Monte Carlo simulation. The new item discrimination index is evaluated by identifying sample size, item discrimination value, inter-factor correlation, and the number of categories. Based upon the results of the study it can be claimed that the proposed item discrimination index proves acceptable performance for two-dimensional structures. Accordingly, using this new item discrimination index could be recommended to researchers when investigating item discrimination in two-dimensional structures.

Keywords

Item discrimination, Multi-dimensional structures, Classical test theory, Corrected item-total correlation

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