Caution indices based on item response theory

A new family of indices was introduced earlier as a link between two approaches: One based on item response theory and the other on sample statistics. In this study, the statistical properties of these indices are investigated and then the relationships to Guttman Scales, and to item and person response curves are discussed. Further, these indices are standardized, and an example of their potential usefulness for diagnosing students' misconceptions is shown.This research was sponsored by the Personnel and Training Research Program, Psychological Sciences Division, Office of Naval Research, under contract No. N00014-82-K-0604.