Is Bayesian Estimation Proper for Estimating the Individual's Ability?

Abstract

There is a widespread belief among psychologists in the area of applied measurement that Bayesian estimation is better than the maximum likelihood estimation because of the additional information, i.e., prior. For example, many researchers in the computerized adaptive testing use Bayesian methods in the estimation of the examinee's ability. In this paper, this myth is debated theoretically, and in relation with the behavioral reality. Simulation studies are also used to show how biases caused by priors will affect the resultant estimation of the examinee's ability. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 15, 1980
Accession Number
ADA087829

Entities

People

  • Fumiko Samejima

Organizations

  • University of Tennessee

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Education
  • Management Personnel
  • Manpower Utilization
  • Military Research
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Personnel Management
  • Personnel Selection
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Psychology
  • Schools
  • Social Sciences
  • Standards
  • Students
  • United States
  • Uss Carl Vinson

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.
  • Regression Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - Bayesian Inference