IS 3PL ITEM RESPONSE THEORY AN APPROPRIATE MODEL FOR DICHOTOMOUS ITEM ANALYSIS OF THE ANATOMY &PHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAMINATION (13 - 23)

Abstract

Item response theory (IRT) offers some advantages over classical test theory and has been widely used to analyze dichotomous types of data in educational testing. This study aims to explore which is the most appropriate model to be used in the analysis of dichotomous items of the Anatomy and Physiology course. The study involved 971 nursing students studying in the Ministry of Health Malaysia training colleges. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the data of the final examination paper containing 40 multiple-choice items. Results of the analysis showed that the unidimensionality and local independence assumptions were met. Data calibration was performed using an IRT-based software, Xcalibre based on the negative twice the log-likelihood statistic (-2LL). Results showed that the 3PL model is the most appropriate model for analyzing the data of the study. This study concludes that the 3PL model should be given a priority in analyzing the dichotomously scored items that involve guessing elements.