Rasch Analysis in the Human Sciences

This book provides a practical guide to using Rasch modeling and will be a great resource for anyone interested in learning how to analyze assessment data with Rasch. Cari Herrmann Abell, Ph.D. Senior Research Associate American Association for the Advancement of Science Project 2061 Washington, D.C. U.S.A. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Rasch Measurement in the Human Sciences represents a much needed, practical, and approachable guide to the use of Rasch methods and models within the field of education in general and in STEM fields most particularly. With a future ever more guided by data-driven decision-making, it is essential that our educators become more familiar with fundamental measurement concepts. Dr. Boone's new text provides readers with a powerful set of new skills, set within an accessible, easy to read framework. Gregory Ethan Stone, Ph.D. Professor of Educational Foundations and Leadership University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio USA -------------------------------------------------------------------- For research in the Human Sciences it is absolutely necessary to know about the theoretical background and the applicability of Rasch analysis. Especially for improving teaching and learning we need a tool which is powerful enough not only to describe states but also to order them according to different criteria related to the learner. Bill Boone's book leads educators as well as doctoral students to using Rasch as a model for measurement and profound interpretation of data and provides a profound and understandable introduction into a difficult topic. Hans E. Fischer, Ph.D. Prof. of Physics Education Faculty of Physics University Duisburg-Essen Duisberg-Essen, Germany -------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Boone has a long history of translating Rasch complexity into the understandable. This book will be invaluable to those in the social sciences who want to improve the quality of our science through improved measurement. Cynthia W. Kelly, PhD Prof. of Nursing The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Alabama USA Box 870358 -------------------------------------------------------------------- That the Rasch approach to measurement improves measurement and the resulting decisions is well known. Needed is the spread of this measurement method to a broader audience. Improved measurement of human knowledge and sentiments is greatly needed in many disciplines and wider application of the Rasch model would address this need. A challenge is to make Rasch accessible to a broader audience. Dr. Boone has more than met this challenge in this book. Dr. Boone writes like a great teacher (which he is). Without compromising the rigor of Rasch he teaches the reader to understand and apply the Rasch measurement model. Daniel McLinden, Ed.D. Senior Director, Learning & Development Assistant Professor, General & Community Pediatrics Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "As a graduate student with zero Rasch experience, this book was crucial to my understanding of the importance of psychometrics, especially Rasch analysis. It was easy to comprehend and provided extensive opportunities to practice and to check for understanding. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a basic introduction to Rasch analysis." Jessican L. Overdorf Graduate Student Miami University -------------------------------------------------------------- "In EVERY chapter the conversation introductions between Ted and Isabelle do a great job of introducing each chapter, and the formative assessments help readers track their understanding of chapter topics. This book can teach anyone how to use Rasch analysis and Wright Maps without a headache". Kelsey Janning Graduate Student Miami University

• What is Rasch Measurement & How Can Rasch Measurement Help Me?.- Rating Scale Surveys, A Rasch Rating Scale Analysis (Step I)-Reading Data and Running an Analysis.- Understanding Person Measures.- Item Measures.- Wright Maps - First Steps.- Wright Maps - Second Steps Fit.- How Well Does That Rating Scale Work? How Do You Know, Too?.- Person Reliability, Item Reliability and More.- What is an Ogive? How do I Use It?.- Some Wright Map Nuance, How To Set the Probability of Success at 65% (or whichever percentage you wish to choose).- Differential Item Functioning.- Linking Surveys and Tests.- Setting Pass/Fail Points and Competency Levels.- Expressing Competency Levels.- Quality of Measurement and Sample Size.- Missing Data:  What should I do?.- Combining Scales.- Multifaceted Rasch Measurement.- The Rasch Model and Item Response Theory Models:  Identical, Similar, or Unique?.- What Tables to Use?.- Key Resources for Continued Expansion of Your Understanding of Rasch Measurement.- Where Have We Been & What’s Next?.