A Second-Order Longitudinal Model for Binary Outcomes: Item Response Theory Versus Structural Equation Modeling. Issue 3 (3rd May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Chun; Kohli, Nidhi; Henn, Lisa
• Is Part Of: Structural equation modeling. Volume 23:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 455
• Page End: 465
• Publication Date: 2016-05-03
• Subjects: binary outcomes -- item response theory -- longitudinal -- structural equation modeling; Multivariate analysis -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Statistical methods -- Periodicals; 519.535
• DOI: 10.1080/10705511.2015.1096744
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1070-5511

Abstract

Abstract : Measuring academic growth, or change in aptitude, relies on longitudinal data collected across multiple measurements. The National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS:88) is among the earliest, large-scale, educational surveys tracking students' performance on cognitive batteries over 3 years. Notable features of the NELS:88 data set, and of almost all repeated measures educational assessments, are (a) the outcome variables are binary or at least categorical in nature; and (b) a set of different items is given at each measurement occasion with a few anchor items to fix the measurement scale. This study focuses on the challenges related to specifying and fitting a second-order longitudinal model for binary outcomes, within both the item response theory and structural equation modeling frameworks. The distinctions between and commonalities shared between these two frameworks are discussed. A real data analysis using the NELS:88 data set is presented for illustration purposes.