Item Response Theory Models for Polytomous Response Data

Abstract

Abstract Many measurement tools are constructed of items that can be scored in several categories. For example, essay items, or other constructed response items, or personality and attitude inventories composed of Likert‐type items. Several item response models have been developed to deal with items of this type. The models are extensions of the dichotomous items presented in this volume. The five models discussed are the Graded Response Model, the Rating Scale Model, the Partial Credit Model, the Generalized Partial Credit Model, and the Nominal Response Model. Descriptions of the models are provided, along with graphical representations, and descriptions of how to interpret the parameters. The entry concludes with a list of articles that have applied these models in different contexts.