(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2006)
Embretson, Susan E.; Yang, Xiangdong
Contemporary views on cognitive theory (e.g., Sternberg and Perez, 2005) regard typical measurement tasks, such as ability and achievement test items, multidimensional, rather than unidimensional. Assessing the
levels and the sources of multidimensionality in an item domain is important for item selection as well as for
item revision and development. In this paper, multicomponent latent trait models (MLTM) and traditional multidimensional item response theory models are described mathematically and compared for the nature of
the dimensions that can be estimated. Then, sonic applications are presented to provide examples of MLTM. Last, practical estimation procedures are described, along with syntax, for the estimation of MLTM and a related model.
(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2001)
Embretson, Susan E.; Gorin, Joanna
Cognitive psychology principles have been heralded as possibly central to construct
validity. In this paper, testing practices are examined in three stages: (a) the
past, in which the traditional testing research paradigm left little role for cognitive psychology principles, (b) the present, in which testing research is enhanced by cognitive psychology principles, and (c) the future, for which we predict that
cognitive psychology's potential will be fully realized through item design. An
extended example of item design by cognitive theory is given to illustrate the principles. A spatial ability test that consists of an object assembly task highlights how cognitive design principles can lead to item generation.