Using the open-source statistical language R to analyze the dichotomous Rasch model

Abstract

R, an open-source statistical language and data analysis tool, is gaining popularity among psychologists currently teaching statistics. R is especially suitable for teaching advanced topics, such as fitting the dichotomous Rasch model--a topic that involves transforming complicated mathematical formulas into statistical computations. This article describes R's use as a teaching tool and a data analysis software program in the analysis of the Rasch model in item response theory. It also explains thetheory behind, as well as an educator's goals for, fitting the Rasch model with joint maximum likelihood estimation. This article also summarizes the R syntax for parameter estimation and the calculation of fit statistics. The results produced by R is compared with the results obtained from MINISTEP and the output of a conditional logit model. The use of R is encouraged because it is free, supported by a network of peer researchers, and covers both basic and advanced topics in statistics frequently used by psychologists.