Item parameter estimation via minimum logit chi‐square

Abstract

The minimum logit chi‐square procedure was used in the item parameter estimation stage of the Birnbaum joint estimation paradigm. Simulated item response data for 36 data sets were analysed via this approach. Overall, the results yielded by the minimum chi‐square procedure compared very favourably with the results yielded by the LOGIST computer program for these data sets. As would be expected, test length, sample size and match of the test difficulty to the ability of the examinees all had an impact upon the level of agreement of the estimates with the underlying item parameter values. The empirical results suggest that in this context the minimum logit‐square procedure yields acceptable item parameter estimates.