Construct Generalization

Construct Generalization is a method for investigating the fit of alternative construct theories to item difficulties obtained from tests purporting to measure the same or a similar construct. A good construct generalization study demonstrates how a number of different operationalizations of a construct (i.e., item calibrations) can be integrated and understood within a common theoretical perspective. During this process, the construct, the construct theories, and the test selection criteria are all improved.

For each construct of interest, we ask the simple question: "Is there a single equation, generated from a construct theory, that can account for the variation among item difficulties taken from a diverse set of instruments purportedly measuring this construct?"

The method of construct generalization consists of seven steps: (1) assemble a sample of relevant instruments, (2) estimate Rasch item difficulties separately for each instrument, (3) conceptualize alternative construct theories that explain variation in item difficulties and express these theories as specification equations, e.g., "reading difficulty is proportional to sentence length," (4) compute correlations separately for each instrument between the item difficulties as observed and those computed from the competing specification equations, (5) select a provisionally "best" construct theory and associated specification equation, (6) test the causal status of the variables in the specification equation by verifying that the specification equation predicts the observed calibrations for as yet untested items, (7) re-cycle steps 3-6 until satisfied with both the data-theory fit and the causal status of the variables in the specification equation.

A. Jackson Stenner

Construct generalization. Stenner AJ. Rasch Measurement Transactions 1994 7:4 p.323

Construct generalization. Stenner AJ. … Rasch Measurement Transactions, 1994, 7:4 p.323

Rasch Books and Publications
Invariant Measurement: Using Rasch Models in the Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences, 2nd Edn. George Engelhard, Jr. & Jue Wang	Applying the Rasch Model (Winsteps, Facets) 4th Ed., Bond, Yan, Heene	Advances in Rasch Analyses in the Human Sciences (Winsteps, Facets) 1st Ed., Boone, Staver	Advances in Applications of Rasch Measurement in Science Education, X. Liu & W. J. Boone	Rasch Analysis in the Human Sciences (Winsteps) Boone, Staver, Yale
Introduction to Many-Facet Rasch Measurement (Facets), Thomas Eckes	Statistical Analyses for Language Testers (Facets), Rita Green	Invariant Measurement with Raters and Rating Scales: Rasch Models for Rater-Mediated Assessments (Facets), George Engelhard, Jr. & Stefanie Wind	Aplicação do Modelo de Rasch (Português), de Bond, Trevor G., Fox, Christine M	Appliquer le modèle de Rasch: Défis et pistes de solution (Winsteps) E. Dionne, S. Béland
Exploring Rating Scale Functioning for Survey Research (R, Facets), Stefanie Wind	Rasch Measurement: Applications, Khine	Winsteps Tutorials - free Facets Tutorials - free	Many-Facet Rasch Measurement (Facets) - free, J.M. Linacre	Fairness, Justice and Language Assessment (Winsteps, Facets), McNamara, Knoch, Fan
Other Rasch-Related Resources: Rasch Measurement YouTube Channel
Rasch Measurement Transactions & Rasch Measurement research papers - free	An Introduction to the Rasch Model with Examples in R (eRm, etc.), Debelak, Strobl, Zeigenfuse	Rasch Measurement Theory Analysis in R, Wind, Hua	Applying the Rasch Model in Social Sciences Using R, Lamprianou	El modelo métrico de Rasch: Fundamentación, implementación e interpretación de la medida en ciencias sociales (Spanish Edition), Manuel González-Montesinos M.
Rasch Models: Foundations, Recent Developments, and Applications, Fischer & Molenaar	Probabilistic Models for Some Intelligence and Attainment Tests, Georg Rasch	Rasch Models for Measurement, David Andrich	Constructing Measures, Mark Wilson	Best Test Design - free, Wright & Stone Rating Scale Analysis - free, Wright & Masters
Virtual Standard Setting: Setting Cut Scores, Charalambos Kollias	Diseño de Mejores Pruebas - free, Spanish Best Test Design	A Course in Rasch Measurement Theory, Andrich, Marais	Rasch Models in Health, Christensen, Kreiner, Mesba	Multivariate and Mixture Distribution Rasch Models, von Davier, Carstensen

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