1,721,079 research outputs found
Multidimensional poverty: an analysis of definitions, measurement tools, applications and their evolution over time through a systematic review of the literature up to 2019
Full text linkThe paper provides an overview of definitions, measurements and applications of the
concept of multidimensional poverty through a systematic review. The literature is
classified according to three research questions: (1) what are the main definitions of
multidimensional poverty?; (2) what methods are used to measure multidimensional
poverty?; (3) what are the dimensions empirically measured?. Findings indicate that (1)
the research on multidimensional poverty has grown in recent years; (2) multidimensional
definitions do not necessarily imply to leave behind the dominance of the economic
sphere; (3) the most popular methods proposed in the literature deal with the Alkire–Foster
methodology, followed by latent variable models. Recommendations for future research
emerge: new methodologies or the improvement of current ones are rather relevant;
intangible aspects of poverty start to deserve attention calling for new definitions; there is
evidence of under researched geographical areas, thereby calling for new empirical works
that expand the geographical scope
A Bayesian multidimensional IRT approach for the analysis of residents’ perceptions toward tourism
Full text linkIn this study, a Bayesian multidimensonal item response theory (IRT) model assuming the presence of correlated general and specific latent traits is proposed for the investigation of residents' perceptions toward the tourism industry. Data collected in 2012 in the Italian Romagna area were used to study the perceived benefits and costs related to tourism. By using posterior predictive model checks and Bayesian deviance, the additive IRT model was found to fit the data well. More importantly, the results could be interpreted meaningfully, showing the most and least important perceived advantages and disadvantages of tourism for the local community. Finally, thanks to the compensatory structure of the model, the different influence of the overall attitude and the specific perceptions of the respondents could be investigated for each aspect included in the questionnaire
Dealing with uncertainty in automated test assembly problems
No full textIl recente sviluppo delle tecnologie informatiche ha consentito agli istituti di valutazione di migliorare il processo di assemblaggio dei test tramite l’automated test assembly (ATA). Una struttura generale per ATA consiste nell’adottare modelli di programmazione intera-mista. Questi modelli sono pensati per essere risolti dasolver commerciali che, nonostante il loro successo nella gestione della maggiorparte dei problemi noti, non sono sempre in grado di risolvere problemi di ATA molto vincolati o di grandi dimensioni. Inoltre, tutti i parametri sono considerati fissi e noti, un’ipotesi che non vale per le stime dei parametri di item response theory (IRT). In questo lavoro proponiamo un modello chance-constrained per affrontarel’incertezza nei modelli di ATA senza aumentarne la complessitàThe recent development of computer technologies enabled test institutes to improve the test assembly process by automated test assembly (ATA). A general framework for ATA consists in adopting mixed-integer programming models. These models are intended to be solved by common commercial solvers which, notwithstanding their success in handling most of the known problems, are not always able to find solutions for highly constrained and large-sized ATA problems. Moreover, all parameters are assumed to be fixed and known, a hypothesis that is not true for estimates of item response theory (IRT) parameters. In this work, we propose a chance-constrained model for dealing with uncertainty in ATA without increasing the complexity of the model
Multidimensional IRT models to analyze learning outcomes of Italian students at the end of lower secondary school
No full textIn this paper, different multidimensional IRT models are compared in order to choose the best approach to explain response data on Italian student assessment at the end of lower secondary school. The results show that the additive model with three specific dimensions (reading comprehension, grammar, and mathematics abilities) and an overall ability is able to recover the test structure meaningfully. In this model, the overall ability compensates for the specific ability (or vice versa) in order to determine the probability of a correct response. Given the item characteristics, the overall ability is interpreted as a reasoning and thinking capability. Model estimation is conducted via Gibbs sampler within a Bayesian approach, which allows the use of Bayesian model comparison techniques such as posterior predictive model checking for model comparison and fit
A longitudinal analysis of the Italian national standardized mathematics tests
Full text linkThis paper presents a longitudinal analysis of the outcomes of the Italian national standardized mathematics
tests. By intertwining quantitative and qualitative methods, we selected and analysed a set of linked questions among the tests administered to the same cohort of students first in grade 6 and then in grade 8. In particular, we focus on poor knowledge students and we argue an example of the analysis of two linked questions about graphical representation of fractions. The comparison between the two questions allows us to interpret some difficulties of students and to expect possible future behaviours
Item Response Theory models for the competence evaluation: towards a multidimensional approach in the University guidance
Full text linkPhD thesi
Book of abstracts, Seventh International Workshop on Simulation, Rimini, 21-25 May. Quaderni di Dipartimento, Serie Ricerche 2013, n. 3, Dipartimento di Scienze Statistiche, Università di Bologna
No full textSeventh International Workshop on Simulatio
Response times in computerized adaptive testing: a method for cheating detection
Full text linkIn the field of educational and psychological measurement, the shift from paper-based to computerized tests has become a prominent trend in recent years. Computerized tests allow for more complex and personalized test administration procedures, like Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT).
CAT, following the Item Response Theory (IRT) models, dynamically generates tests based on test-taker responses, driven by complex statistical algorithms. Even if CAT structures are complex, they are flexible and convenient, but concerns about test security should be addressed. Frequent item administration can lead to item exposure and cheating, necessitating preventive and diagnostic measures.
In this thesis a method called "CHeater identification using Interim Person fit Statistic" (CHIPS) is developed, designed to identify and limit cheaters in real-time during test administration. CHIPS utilizes response times (RTs) to calculate an Interim Person fit Statistic (IPS), allowing for on-the-fly intervention using a more secret item bank. Also, a slight modification is proposed to overcome situations with constant speed, called Modified-CHIPS (M-CHIPS).
A simulation study assesses CHIPS, highlighting its effectiveness in identifying and controlling cheaters. However, it reveals limitations when cheaters possess all correct answers. The M-CHIPS overcame this limitation. Furthermore, the method has shown not to be influenced by the cheaters’ ability distribution or the level of correlation between ability and speed of test-takers.
Finally, the method has demonstrated flexibility for the choice of significance level and the transition from fixed-length tests to variable-length ones.
The thesis discusses potential applications, including the suitability of the method for multiple-choice tests, assumptions about RT distribution and level of item pre-knowledge. Also limitations are discussed to explore future developments such as different RT distributions, unusual honest respondent behaviors, and field testing in real-world scenarios. In summary, CHIPS and M-CHIPS offer real-time cheating detection in CAT, enhancing test security and ability estimation while not penalizing test respondents
Seventh International Workshop on Simulation, 21-25 May, 2013, Department of Statistical Sciences, Unit of Rimini, University of Bologna, Italy. Book of Abstracts
Full text linkSeventh International Workshop on Simulation, 21-25 May, 2013, Department of Statistical Sciences, Unit of Rimini, University of Bologna, Italy. Book of Abstract
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