Examination of Parameter Estimation Using Recursive Bayesian Analysis in Simulated Item Response Theory Applications

Examination of Parameter Estimation Using Recursive Bayesian Analysis in Simulated Item Response Theory Applications by Robert Hendrick For the past several years, high-stakes testing has been the predominant indicator used to assess students\u27 academic ability. School systems, teachers, parents, and students are dependent upon the accuracy of academic ability estimates designated, θs, by item response theory (IRT) computer programs. In this study, the accuracy of 3 parameter logistic (3PL) IRT estimates of academic ability were obtained from the BILOG-MG and WinBUGS computer programs which were employed to compare the use of non-informative and informative priors in θ estimation. The rationale for comparing the output of these two computer programs is that the underlying statistical theory employed in these two computer programs is different, and there may be a notable difference in the accuracy of θ estimation when an informative prior is used by WinBUGS in analyzing skewed populations. In particular, the θ parameter estimates of BILOG-MG using traditional IRT analysis with non-informative priors in each situation and the θ parameter estimates of WinBUGS using Recursive Bayesian Analysis (RBA) with informative priors are compared to the true simulated θ value using Root Mean Square Errors (RMSEs). To make this comparison, Monte Carlo computer simulation is used across three occasions within three conditions giving nine comparison situations. For the priors and data generated, results show similar θ estimation accuracy for a normally distributed latent trait (RMSE = 0.35), a more accurate θ estimation process using RBA compared to traditional analysis (RMSEs of 0.36 compared to 0.76) when using latent trait distributions skewed in a similar direction, and less accurate θ estimation using RBA compared to traditional analysis (RMSEs of 1.48 compared to 0.80) when using extremely skewed negative then positive distributions in a longitudinal setting. Implications for further research include extensions to other IRT models, developing prior elicitation equations, and applying Bayesian informative prior elicitation in BILOG-MG

The Payroll - A Text & Practice Set

Statement of the problem: This problem involves the following divisions: The laws, rules and regulations governing payrolls. Application of the law in payroll accounting. The accounting principles and procedure. A detailed practice set

The Innocence of Lennie Small in Carlisle Floyd\u27s Opera Of Mice and Men In Excerpts Presented as a Performer\u27s Guide

Of Mice and Men is a 20th century American opera composed by Carlisle Floyd. Carlisle Floyd also served as librettist, as he did with all of his operas. Based on the American novel of the same name by John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men is Carlisle Floyd\u27s second most performed opera. This project serves to demonstrate the innocence of the role of Lennie Small, as seen through his intellectual shortcomings, enhanced by the vocal line and music of the composer. A performer\u27s guide is also provided

Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL) relationships, models, and management rules

Over 50 individual Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL) research results, extracted from a review of published SEL documentation, that can be applied directly to managing software development projects are captured. Four basic categories of results are defined and discussed - environment profiles, relationships, models, and management rules. In each category, research results are presented as a single page that summarizes the individual result, lists potential uses of the result by managers, and references the original SEL documentation where the result was found. The document serves as a concise reference summary of applicable research for SEL managers

Software Management Environment (SME): Components and algorithms

This document presents the components and algorithms of the Software Management Environment (SME), a management tool developed for the Software Engineering Branch (Code 552) of the Flight Dynamics Division (FDD) of the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The SME provides an integrated set of visually oriented experienced-based tools that can assist software development managers in managing and planning software development projects. This document describes and illustrates the analysis functions that underlie the SME's project monitoring, estimation, and planning tools. 'SME Components and Algorithms' is a companion reference to 'SME Concepts and Architecture' and 'Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL) Relationships, Models, and Management Rules.

Software Management Environment (SME) concepts and architecture, revision 1

This document presents the concepts and architecture of the Software Management Environment (SME), developed for the Software Engineering Branch of the Flight Dynamic Division (FDD) of GSFC. The SME provides an integrated set of experience-based management tools that can assist software development managers in managing and planning flight dynamics software development projects. This document provides a high-level description of the types of information required to implement such an automated management tool

The Politics of the 1965 Gold Reserve Law

The major focus of this study is the 1965 gold reserve law. Thislaw was both an economic and political solution to a number of problemswhich are discussed under the general subject of the United States balanceof payments. I have used the 1965 law to illustrate many processes withinthe American political system

Rotational Cooling of Polar Molecules by Stark-tuned Cavity Resonance

A general scheme for rotational cooling of diatomic heteronuclear molecules is proposed. It uses a superconducting microwave cavity to enhance the spontaneous decay via Purcell effect. Rotational cooling can be induced by sequentially tuning each rotational transition to cavity resonance, starting from the highest transition level to the lowest using an electric field. Electrostatic multipoles can be used to provide large confinement volume with essentially homogeneous background electric field.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figure