Latent trait, factor, and number endorsed scoring of polychotomous and dichotomous responses to the Common Metric Questionnaire

Although job analysis is basic to almost all human resource functions, little attention has been given to the response format and scoring strategy of job analysis instruments. This study investigated three approaches to scoring polychotomous and dichotomous responses from the frequency and importance scales of the Common Metric Questionnaire (CMQ). Factor, latent trait, and number endorsed scores were estimated from the responses of 2684 job incumbents in six organizations. Scores from four of the CMQ scales were used in linear and nonlinear multiple regression equations to predict pay. The results demonstrated that: (a) simple number endorsed scoring of dichotomous responses was superior to the other scoring strategies; (b) Scoring of dichotomous responses was superior to scoring of polychotomous responses for each scoring technique; (c) scores estimated from the importance scale were better predictors of pay then scores from the frequency scale; (d) the relationship between latent trait and factor scores is nonlinear; (e) latent trait scores estimated with the two-parameter logistic model were superior to latent trait scores from the three parameter model; (f) test information functions for each scale demonstrated that the CMQ scales accurately measured a relatively narrow range of theta; (g) the reliability of factor scores estimated from dichotomous data is superior to factor scores from polychotomous data. Issues regarding the construction of job analysis instruments and the use of item response theory are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Department dc:contributor.department

Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1991

Author dc:creator

• Becker, R. Lance

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Franchina, Joseph J.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Frary, Robert B.
• Foti, Roseanne J.
• Sgro, Joseph A.
• Clum, George A. Jr.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

etd-07282008-135639

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/38981