Applying the Rasch Model: Fundamental Measurement in the Human Sciences, Third Edition

Cited over 1900 times, this classic text facilitates a deep understanding of the Rasch model. The authors review the crucial properties of the model and demonstrate its use with a variety of examples from education, psychology, and health. A glossary and numerous illustrations aid the reader's understanding. Readers learn how to apply Rasch analysis so they can perform their own analyses and interpret the results. The authors present an accessible overview that does not require a mathematical background. Highlights of the new edition include: -More learning tools to strengthen readers’ understanding including chapter introductions, boldfaced key terms, chapter summaries, activities, and suggested readings. -Divided chapters (4, 6, 7 & 8) into basic and extended understanding sections so readers can select the level most appropriate for their needs and to provide more in-depth investigations of key topics. -A website at www.routledge.com/9780415833424 that features free Rasch software, data sets, an Invariance worksheet, detailed instructions for key analyses, and links to related sources. -Greater emphasis on the role of Rasch measurement as a priori in the construction of scales and its use post hoc to reveal the extent to which interval scale measurement is instantiated in existing data sets. -Emphasizes the importance of interval level measurement data and demonstrates how Rasch measurement is used to examine measurement invariance. -Insights from other Rasch scholars via innovative applications (Ch. 9). -Extended discussion of invariance now reviews DIF, DPF, and anchoring (ch. 5). -Revised Rating Scale Model material now based on the analysis of the CEAQ (ch.6). -Clarifies the relationships between Rasch measurement, True Score Theory, and Item Response Theory by reviewing their commonalities and differences (Ch.13). -Provides more detail on how to conduct a Rasch analysis so readers can use the techniques on their own (Appendix B). Intended as a text for graduate courses in measurement, item response theory, (advanced) research methods or quantitative analysis taught in psychology, education, human development, business, and other social and health sciences, professionals in these areas also appreciate the book‘s accessible introduction.

Table of Contents:
Foreword 1. Why Measurement Is Fundamental 2. Important Principles of Measurement Made Explicit 3. Basic Principles of the Rasch Model 4. Building a Set of Items for Measurement 5. Invariance: A Crucial Property of Scientific Measurement 6. Measurement Using Likert Scales 7. The Partial Credit Rasch Model 8. Measuring Facets Beyond Ability and Difficulty 9. Making Measures, Setting Standards & Rasch Regression 10. The Rasch Model Applied Across the Human Sciences 11. Rasch Modeling Applied: Rating Scale Design 12. Rasch Model Requirements: Model Fit and Unidimensionality 13. A Synthetic Overview Appendix A. Getting Started Appendix B. Technical Aspects of the Rasch Model

About the Author :
Trevor G. BOND is Adjunct Professor at the College of Arts, Society and Education at James Cook University, Australia. Christine M. FOX is a Full Professor in Research and Measurement at The University of Toledo.

Review :
"Since the breakthrough by Georg Rasch interest in fundamental measurement has increased exponentially. This growth is due in no small part to Bond and Fox. Their third edition is important as an introductory text, as a reference point and for its unique perspective. It is a significant book for the social sciences." – Peter Tymms, Durham University, UK "The tiresome debate about Rasch vs. IRT is over -- if you want to construct valid measurements from uncertain observations you need to understand and learn how to use Rasch measurement. Bond and Fox is your huckleberry -- read it and get to work!" – Robert W. Massof, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA "Bond & Fox's book is a must read for anyone interested in measurement. This book is my go-to for introducing graduate students to the Rasch model." – Kelly D. Bradley, University of Kentucky, USA "The authors have successfully made sophisticated measurement theory into feasible practice for practitioners by providing clear and intuitive explanations, numerous examples, and nice computer outputs. It is a textbook that I have used and will continue to use in the future." – Wen Chung Wang, Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong "Bond and Fox provide a clear and accessible introduction to the Rasch mode.… I always recommend their book when a student or colleagues asks me to explain Rasch measurement theory." – George Engelhard, Jr., The University of Georgia, USA "The book gives a very nice intuitive understanding of the Rasch model, especially for students with limited mathematical knowledge. ... I use the book in a graduate course called ... Advanced Measurement. ... I do plan on the continued use of the text … because it provides a nice introduction to the model." – Steven Pulos, University of Northern Colorado, USA "An excellent textbook for Rasch measurement … the proposed changes will further enhance the readability and usefulness of the book. ... It is an excellent introduction to item response theory, especially to the Rasch measurement. ... I am using this book … in ... Educational Measurement Theory. .... I highly recommend this book.　 ... I will certainly continue to adopt this book. ... Since using this book I have become a strong advocate of Rasch measurement." – Ratna Nandakumar, University of Delaware, USA "This is the most current and best textbook for the Rasch course. ... I will adopt this revision … [for] my course. … The new [edition] will provide a much clearer and easier way to learn the concepts of Rasch measurement and … conduct Rasch studies. … The topics covered … are diverse and rich." – Yi-Hsin Chen, University of South Florida, USA "The first edition of the Bond and Fox book was a god-send. ... For [those] who believe in the uniqueness of Rasch, this book is essential. … I strongly recommend this book. ... My graduate students appreciate the applied nature of this book, avoiding an overly statistical approach to the topic. … I will continue to use this book and recommend the [new] edition to my students and colleagues." – Craig A. Velozo, The Medical University of South Carolina, USA