Psychometrics, Test Theory, and the Latent Factors Model

A combination of psychometric theory, history, philosophy, and practice, with recent advances in analytical methods, metrology, and design.

Psychometrics, Test Theory, and the Latent Factors Model began as a strong manuscript by Petr Blahuš, based upon his lifelong passion of applying the latent factors model to kinesiology and biomechanics. Before his death he entrusted it to three co-authors who completed the book with in-chapter explanations, accessible mathematical appendices, and computational guides. It was also expanded to include important advances since 2010 in psychometric methods, contemporary developments in metrology, and the science of domain-specific design. Comprehensive in scope, the text contains computational guides for the use of Stata, M-plus, and SPSS in Factor Analysis, Classical Test Theory, and Item-Response Theory. The authors highlight the practicality of software integration in order to successfully produce psychometrically sound research. Written by an international and decades-spanning team of experienced psychometricians, the text anticipates a future psychometric science that could earn its place in the international metrology community.

The book is filled with suggestions, tips, and practical guidance about best practices and efficient strategies for modeling and model selection. In addition, the book includes important cautions and warnings about misuse and misinterpretations of common, but limited, analytical techniques. The book is historically informed, philosophically grounded, mathematically justified, and methodologically current. This important text:

• Applies intuitive reasoning and common examples to aid in the understanding of advanced technical concepts.
• Includes the conceptual, statistical, and philosophical background of psychometrics.
• Features recent advances and opposing views in psychometric theory.
• Contains concrete examples from current research, including cognitive tests and neurological data.
• Opens the vista for a future of testing with greatly increased use of well-constructed, learner-centered performance scales using computer-adaptive testing with feedback over multiple attempts.

Psychometrics, Test Theory, and the Latent Factors Model is intended for forward-looking students and teachers in the behavioral, educational, health, and social sciences.

Petr Blahuš, PhD, was DrSc, Professor, Division of Methodology, in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. A distinguished international scholar, he published in Czech, English, and Russian.

Bruce L. Brown, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University and authored Multivariate Analysis for the Biobehavioral and Social Sciences (Brown, Hendrix, Hedges, and Smith, 2012, Wiley).

C. Victor Bunderson, PhD, is emeritus professor of Instructional Psychology and Technology at Brigham Young University. He served on the Assessment Council of Western Governors University from 1997 through 2023. His experience includes VP Research Management at Educational Testing Service, and cofounder of several technology companies that advanced and applied concepts and methods explained in this book.

Joseph A. Olsen, PhD, is Associate Research Professor, Assistant Dean, and Director of Research Support in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences at Brigham Young University. Dr. Olsen advises on methods and software in graduate research projects across many departments.