Restricted Recalibration of Item Response Theory Models

Characterizing Sampling Variability for Item Response Theory Scale Scores in a Fixed-Parameter Calibrated Projection Design

A common practice of linking uses estimated item parameters to calculate projected scores. This procedure fails to account for the carry-over sampling variability. Neglecting sampling variability could consequently lead to understated uncertainty for Item Response Theory (IRT) scale scores. To address the issue, we apply a Multiple Imputation (MI) approach to adjust the Posterior Standard Deviations of IRT scale scores. The MI procedure involves drawing multiple sets of plausible values from an approximate sampling distribution of the estimated item parameters. When two scales to be linked were previously calibrated, item parameters can be fixed at their original published scales, and the latent variable means and covariances of the two scales can then be estimated conditional on the fixed item parameters. The conditional estimation procedure is a special case of Restricted Recalibration (RR), in which the asymptotic sampling distribution of estimated parameters follows from the general theory of pseudo Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimation. We evaluate the combination of RR and MI by a simulation study to examine the impact of carry-over sampling variability under various simulation conditions. We also illustrate how to apply the proposed method to real data by revisiting Thissen et al. (2015).

Psychometric Properties of an Instrument to Assess the Fear of COVID-19 in a Sample in Argentina: a Mixed Approach

The FCV-19S was the first instrument designed to assess the severity of fear related to COVID-19 and has already been validated in many languages. The objective of this study was to evaluate the homogeneity and construct validity of the 5-item version of the FCV19S, using an online questionnaire in 599 people. The participants' age ranged from 18 to 65 years. Age, gender, marital status, educational level, employment status, and socioeconomic status were analyzed. In the evaluation process we assessed interitem correlation, item rest-correlation, confirmatory factor analysis: Root Mean Square Error of Approximation, Comparative Fix Index, Tucker-Lewis Index; internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega), and the Rasch model was assessed for learning more about the psychometric properties of the scale, which allows a detailed knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of a scale. The FCV-5S has adequate psychometric indicators from the perspective of the Classical Theory of Items. The major limitations were using a self-reported measure and having a convenience sample not necessarily representative of the general population of Argentina.

Validity of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in primary care patients in Colombia

OBJECTIVE

To assess the validity of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for depression and anxiety screening in primary care patients in Colombia.

METHODS

A criterion validity study was conducted with 243 adults that had completed the HADS and were later assessed using the MINI as a gold standard. Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega and factor structure were applied through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). ROC curve analysis and Youden's statistic were used to determine the cut-off point.

RESULTS

Cronbach's α was reported to be 0.85 and 0.82 for McDonalds' ω. CFA supported a two-factor solution demonstrating satisfactory fit. Root mean square error of approximation = 0.04, Comparative Fix Index (CFI) and Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.97. For HADS-A, the cut-off point was determined as 6 associated with a sensitivity of 0.76, a specificity of 0.72 and Youden's index of 0.50. The ABC was 0.81. For HADS-D, the cut-off point was determined as 4 associated with a sensitivity of 0.78, a specificity of 0.74 and Youden's index of 0.53. The ABC was 0.82.

CONCLUSION

The HADS is a valid and reliable instrument for anxiety and depression screening in adult patients of primary healthcare services in Colombia.

Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale in the general Colombian population

The study aimed to adapt and explore the psychometric performance of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in the general Colombian population. The original FCV-19S is a 7-item scale that underwent an adaptation (Item 1 and 5 were deleted). From an online sample of 1,687 adults (59% female), exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed for versions of the scale with 6 and 5 items. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega were calculated. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the 5-item scale (Fear of COVID-5) presented better indicators. In conclusion, the Fear of COVID-5 has acceptable performance in the Colombian population.