The verification of validity in TIMSS 2011 mathematics data in Japan using multidimensional item response theory

Abstract

While it is said that the evidence based discussion about education is needed, the quality assurance of test is also important. They say that we need to reaffirm the significance of measuring constructs correctly and the previous studies are not enough. The present study examined the verification of validity in TIMSS 2011 mathematics data in Japan using multidimensional IRT. In addition, the present study tried to investigate what the subscales “knowing” “reasoning” “applying” measure using bifactor model in terms of item information . As a result, there are 23 items which group factors have more impact on than general factor, so the present study proved characteristics which unidimensional IRT can not express. In other words, the present study can express characteristics about constructs which this test try to measure using multidimensional IRT and the application possibility was suggested.