Using Diagnostic Classification Models in Psychological Rating Scales

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how to use diagnostic classification models (DCMs) in psychological rating scales and reflect on how DCMs differ from classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT) scoring approaches in terms of assumptions and results. DCMs, a viral topic in today\IeC {\textquoteright }s psychometric world, has thrived in educational assessment. However, many researchers and practitioners are uncertain how DCMs could be used in psychological rating scales and what information they could provide. This article presents an example of applying CTT, IRT, and DCM scoring approaches with data from 10,000 respondents on an operational personality rating scale.

Keywords

• diagnostic classification model
• psychological rating scales
• item response theory
• classical test theory