Abstract
The purpose of this
study was to examine the effects of false assumption regarding
the motivation of examinees on item calibration and test construction.
A simulation study was conducted using data generated using two
models of item responses (the 3-parameter logistic item response
model alone, and in combination with Wise's Examinee Persistence
model (1996a)). Items were calibrated using a Bayesian method.
Results clearly document the effect of low motivation on item
parameter estimates. For the conditions studied, the item parameter
estimates based on responses from poorly motivated examinees were
biased and more variable than estimates based on responses from
examinees who behaved according to the three-parameter logistic
model.
Copyright © AJER, the Faculty of Education, and the University
of Alberta, 2003.
Last revised: November 17, 2003.
Designed by G.H. Buck