Abstract

VIEIRA, Maria João; RIBEIRO, Rui Bártolo; ALMEIDA, Leandro  and  PRIMI, Ricardo. Comparion of Item Response Theory (IRT) models in the validation of a field dependence-independence test. Aval. psicol. [online]. 2011, vol.10, n.1, pp. 63-70. ISSN 1677-0471.

This study analyzes the items of the test Patterns which assess the construct of field dependence-independence - Test. Data were analyzed in the light of one, two and three parameters of Item Response Theory (IRT). We used a sample of 1918 candidates for the instruction at the Portuguese Air Force Pilot Academy. We conducted a full information factor analysis in order to verify the preconditions of IRT that indicated the existence of two factors. Then we examined each factor in light of unidimensional IRT models that revealed that the division of the two factors is related to the item difficulty and that the easiest items are those in which the target figure is not in any of the standard figures. It was concluded that the subtest 2 proved to be the most suitable for assessing the construct, and it is suggested the addition of easier items so that the test is more suitable for individuals with low ability levels.

Keywords : Item Response Theory (IRT); Field dependence-independence; Validity; Tests.

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