Package: tirt 0.3.1

tirt: Testlet Item Response Theory

Implementation of Testlet and Item Response Theory. A light-version yet comprehensive and streamlined framework for psychometric analysis using unidimensional and multidimensional Item Response Theory (IRT; Baker & Kim (2004) <doi:10.1201/9781482276725>) and Testlet Response Theory (TRT; Wainer et al., (2007) <doi:10.1017/CBO9780511618765>). Designed for researchers, this package supports the estimation of item and person parameters for a wide variety of models, including binary (i.e., Rasch, 2-Parameter Logistic, 3-Parameter Logistic) and polytomous (Partial Credit Model, Generalized Partial Credit Model, Graded Response Model) formats. It also supports the estimation of Testlet models (Rasch Testlet, 2-Parameter Logistic Testlet, 3-Parameter Logistic Testlet, Bifactor, Partial Credit Model Testlet, Graded Response), allowing users to account for local item dependence in bundled items. A key feature is the specialized support for combination use and joint estimation of item response model and testlet response model in one calibration. Beyond standard estimation via Marginal Maximum Likelihood with Expectation-Maximization (EM) or Joint Maximum Likelihood, the package also offers Bayesian estimation using priors with maximum a posteriori (MAP) method for unidimensional item response theory models. It also provides functions for scale linking and equating (Mean-Mean, Mean-Sigma, Stocking-Lord) to ensure comparability across mixed-format test forms. It also facilitates fixed-parameter calibration, enabling users to estimate person abilities with known item parameters or vice versa, which is essential for pre-equating studies and item bank maintenance. Comprehensive data simulation functions are included to generate synthetic datasets with complex structures, including mixed-model blocks and specific testlet effects, aiding in methodological research and study design validation. Researchers can try multiple simulation situations.

Authors:Jiawei Xiong [aut, cre], Cheng Tang [ctb], Qidi Liu [ctb]