Applying the Rasch Model: Fundamental Measurement in the Human Sciences

Abstract

For many researchers, the Rasch model provides a very practical solution to data analysis in the social sciences. This volume contends that Rasch measurement is the model of choice because it is the closest to realizing the sort of objective fundamental measurement so long revered in the physical sciences. Trevor Bond has worked with leading Rasch theoreticians for more than 15 years, advising developmentalists and teachers on how to conduct and interpret Rasch analyses of their own data. After each of his many research presentations, Dr. Bond was asked to recommend a suitable text for those who wish to learn more about Rasch analysis. Unfortunately, the books published to date require a significant knowledge of statistics and not easily accessible to many practicing researchers. This lack of a suitable introductory text is the driving force behind this book. The goals of this authored volume are: * to present an accessible overview of the basic properties and principles of Rasch analysis, that does not require a sophisticated statistical background, * to demonstrate how Rasch analysis can be applied to a number of generic problems encountered by psychologists and educators, and * to prepare readers for performing their own analyses and interpreting the results. This book is ideal for all researchers in the human sciences interested in learning how to actually implement the Rasch model with their own data.