Footnote:
Nach Informationen von SSRN wurde die ursprüngliche Fassung des Dokuments June 15, 2010 erstellt
Description:
Bearing on linear factor analytical techniques applied to matrices of tetrachoric and Pearson correlations of dichotomous variables, we describe heuristic methods of parameter estimation in the two-parameter normal ogive model and discuss some indices and methods of factor analysis and structural equation modeling which were never investigated systematically for the assessment of unidimensionality in this case. The results of a simulation study indicate that heuristic parameter estimation is surprisingly accurate when distributional assumptions are met, mostly being only slightly inferior to marginal maximum likelihood estimation. Moreover, recovery of unidimensionality appears feasible with residual-based indices and methods but also depends on type of correlation coefficient used. We discuss our findings with regard to their generalizability, their relevance to applied research, and the refinement of parameter estimation techniques in item response theory