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A Derivation of the Polytomous Rasch Model Based on the Most Probable Distribution Method

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 November 2014

Stefano Noventa ,
Luca Stefanutti  and
Giulio Vidotto
Stefano Noventa*
Affiliation:
University of Verona (Italy)
Luca Stefanutti
Affiliation:
University of Padua (Italy)
Giulio Vidotto
Affiliation:
University of Padua (Italy)
*
*Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Noventa Stefano. Center for Assessment. University of Verona. Verona (Italy). E-mail: stefano.noventa@univr.it
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Abstract

Boltzmann’s most probable distribution method is applied to derive the Polytomous Rasch model as the distribution accounting for the maximum number of possible outcomes in a test while introducing latent traits, item characteristics, and thresholds as constraints to the system. Affinities and similarities of the present result with other derivations of the model are discussed in light of the conceptual frameworks of statistical physics and of the principle of maximum entropy.

Keywords

polytomous rasch modelprinciple of maximum entropymost probable distribution
Type
Research Article
Information
The Spanish Journal of Psychology , Volume 17 , 2014 , E84
Copyright
Copyright © Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid 2014 

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