Description:
<jats:p> Abstract. This paper examines IRT scale transformations and IRT scale-linking methods used in the nonequivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) design to equate two tests, X and Y. It proposes a unifying approach to the commonly used IRT linking methods: mean-mean, mean-var linking, concurrent calibration, Stocking and Lord, and Haebara characteristic curves approaches, and fixed-item parameters scale linkage. The main idea is to view any linking procedure as a restriction on the item parameter space. Then, a rewriting of the log-likelihood function together with an appropriately implemented maximization procedure of the log-likelihood function under linear (or nonlinear) restrictions will accomplish the linking. The proposed method is general enough to cover both the dichotomous item response models (the one parameter logistic (1PL) model, 2PL, and 3PL) and the polytomous unidimensional IRT models such as the generalized partial credit model. </jats:p>