Cognitive diagnosis using item response models

Abstract

In this paper, I will describe a particular approach to cognitive diagnosis that is centered on the idea of developmental assessment, and illustrate how data from this approach can be modeled using explanatory item response models. The developmental assessment approach starts with the idea of a progression of learning embodied in what are called progress variables. In a progress variable, student understanding is conceptualized as a continuum with successive levels of development. Effectively, these are seen as a series of student conceptions - this is the first layer of diagnosis. Then, student misconceptions are seen as particular diagnoses within the student conceptions, forming a second ..