An application of the Hybrid model to a state competency test in mathematics.

Item

Title
An application of the Hybrid model to a state competency test in mathematics.
Identifier
AAI9618042
identifier
9618042
Creator
Alvarez, Laura.
Contributor
Adviser: Carol Kehr Tittle
Date
1996
Language
English
Publisher
City University of New York.
Subject
Education, Mathematics | Education, Tests and Measurements
Abstract
The present study models a procedure to extract instructional information from a minimal competency test in mathematics, using Yamamoto's (1989) Hybrid model (a combination of latent class models (LCM) and an item response theory model (IRT)). This procedure is applied to the data of 1600 ninth grade students from three inner-city schools, who took the June 1991 examination of the New York State Regents Competency Test (RCT) in mathematics. The test is examined in terms of mathematical content and cognitive processes proposed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Two analyses were made: a two parameter with 14 latent classes Hybrid model was compared to a two parameter IRT model in terms of fit. Next, the classes identified by the Hybrid model were compared with the classes identified by a sub-score method, using Cohen's coefficient of agreement to assess if the same students were being identified by each method. Nine teachers with a minimum of 10 years experience evaluated the latent class groupings of items obtained from the Hybrid model to determine instructional relevance. The Hybrid model provided a better fit then the IRT model ({dollar}\chi\sp2{dollar} diff (42) = 770.6); it identified different students from those in the sub-score method ({dollar}\kappa{dollar} = {dollar}-{dollar}.220); it identified 18% of the subjects into one of the latent classes; lastly, these classes were judged instructionally relevant by educators (M = 3.90). The Hybrid model provides instructional information not obtainable with traditional measures and offers a wide range of classification possibilities. Applying the Hybrid model to more sophisticated tests, especially in the area of math and science is suggested.
Type
dissertation
Source
PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
degree
Ph.D.
Item sets
CUNY Legacy ETDs