This paper introduces a mixture model based on the beta distribution, without pre-established means and variances, to analyze a large set of Beauty-Contest data obtained from diverse groups of experiments (Bosch-Domènech et al. 2002). This model gives a better fit of the experimental data, and more precision to the hypothesis that a large proportion of individuals follow a common pattern of reasoning, described as Iterated Best Reply (degenerate), than mixture models based on the normal distribution. The analysis shows that the means of the distributions across the groups of experiments are pretty stable, while the proportions of choices at different levels of reasoning vary across groups.

This paper estimates depth of reasoning in an Iterative Best Response model using data from Weber (2003) ten-period repeated guessing game with no feedback. Different mixture models are estimated and the type (Level-0, Level-1, etc) of each player is determined in every round using the Expectation Maximization algorithm. The matrices showing the number of individuals transitioning among levels is computed in each case. It is found that most players either remain in the same level or advance to the next two levels they were in the previous period. The lowest levels (Level-0 and Level-1) have a higher probability of transitioning to a higher level than Level-2 or Level-3. Thus, we can conclude that subjects, through repetition of the task, quickly become more sophisticated strategic thinkers as defined by higher levels. However, in some specifications the highest levels have a relatively large probability of switching to a lower level in the next period. In general, depth of reasoning increases monotonically in small steps as individuals are subjected to the same task repeatedly.

We introduce a general framework for latent variable modeling, named Generalized Latent Variable Models for Location, Scale, and Shape parameters (GLVM-LSS). This framework extends the generalized linear latent variable model beyond the exponential family distributional assumption and enables the modeling of distributional parameters other than the mean (location parameter), such as scale and shape parameters, as functions of latent variables. Model parameters are estimated via maximum likelihood. We present two real-world applications on public opinion research and educational testing, and evaluate the model’s performance in terms of parameter recovery through extensive simulation studies. Our results suggest that the GLVM-LSS is a valuable tool in applications where modeling higher-order moments of the observed variables through latent variables is of substantive interest. The proposed model is implemented in the R package glvmlss, available online.

The additive reserving model assumes the existence of volume measures such that the corresponding expected loss ratios are identical for all accident years. While classical literature assumes these volumes are known, in practice, accurate volume measures are often unavailable. The issue of uncertain volume measures in the additive model was addressed in a generalization of the loss ratio method published in 2018. The derivation is rather complex and the method is computationally intensive, especially for large loss development triangles. This paper introduces an alternative approach that leverages the well-established EM algorithm, significantly reducing computational requirements.

Multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) offers psychometric models for various data settings, most popularly for dichotomous and polytomous data. Less attention has been devoted to count responses. A recent growth in interest in count item response models (CIRM)—perhaps sparked by increased occurrence of psychometric count data, e.g., in the form of process data, clinical symptom frequency, number of ideas or errors in cognitive ability assessment—has focused on unidimensional models. Some recent unidimensional CIRMs rely on the Conway–Maxwell–Poisson distribution as the conditional response distribution which allows conditionally over-, under-, and equidispersed responses. In this article, we generalize to the multidimensional case, introducing the Multidimensional Two-Parameter Conway–Maxwell–Poisson Model (M2PCMPM). Using the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm, we develop marginal maximum likelihood estimation methods, primarily for exploratory M2PCMPMs. The resulting discrimination matrices are rotationally indeterminate. Recently, regularization of the discrimination matrix has been used to obtain a simple structure (i.e., a sparse solution) for dichotomous and polytomous data. For count data, we also (1) rotate or (2) regularize the discrimination matrix. We develop an EM algorithm with lasso ($\ell _1$) regularization for the M2PCMPM and compare (1) and (2) in a simulation study. We illustrate the proposed model with an empirical example using intelligence test data.

Consider the class of two parameter marginal logistic (Rasch) models, for a test of m True-False items, where the latent ability is assumed to be bounded. Using results of Karlin and Studen, we show that this class of nonparametric marginal logistic (NML) models is equivalent to the class of marginal logistic models where the latent ability assumes at most (m + 2)/2 values. This equivalence has two implications. First, estimation for the NML model is accomplished by estimating the parameters of a discrete marginal logistic model. Second, consistency for the maximum likelihood estimates of the NML model can be shown (when m is odd) using the results of Kiefer and Wolfowitz. An example is presented which demonstrates the estimation strategy and contrasts the NML model with a normal marginal logistic model.

The relationship between the EM algorithm and the Bock-Aitkin procedure is described with a continuous distribution of ability (latent trait) from an EM-algorithm perspective. Previous work has been restricted to the discrete case from a probit-analysis perspective.

Consider an old test X consisting of s sections and two new tests Y and Z similar to X consisting of p and q sections respectively. All subjects are given test X plus two variable sections from either test Y or Z. Different pairings of variable sections are given to each subsample of subjects. We present a method of estimating the covariance matrix of the combined test (X1, ..., Xs, Y1, ..., Yp, Z1, ..., Zq) and describe an application of these estimation techniques to linear, observed-score, test equating.

Multinomial processing tree models assume that an observed behavior category can arise from one or more processing sequences represented as branches in a tree. These models form a subclass of parametric, multinomial models, and they provide a substantively motivated alternative to loglinear models. We consider the usual case where branch probabilities are products of nonnegative integer powers in the parameters, 0≤θs≤1, and their complements, 1 - θs. A version of the EM algorithm is constructed that has very strong properties. First, the E-step and the M-step are both analytic and computationally easy; therefore, a fast PC program can be constructed for obtaining MLEs for large numbers of parameters. Second, a closed form expression for the observed Fisher information matrix is obtained for the entire class. Third, it is proved that the algorithm necessarily converges to a local maximum, and this is a stronger result than for the exponential family as a whole. Fourth, we show how the algorithm can handle quite general hypothesis tests concerning restrictions on the model parameters. Fifth, we extend the algorithm to handle the Read and Cressie power divergence family of goodness-of-fit statistics. The paper includes an example to illustrate some of these results.

A plausible s-factor solution for many types of psychological and educational tests is one that exhibits a general factor and s − 1 group or method related factors. The bi-factor solution results from the constraint that each item has a nonzero loading on the primary dimension and at most one of the s − 1 group factors. This paper derives a bi-factor item-response model for binary response data. In marginal maximum likelihood estimation of item parameters, the bi-factor restriction leads to a major simplification of likelihood equations and (a) permits analysis of models with large numbers of group factors; (b) permits conditional dependence within identified subsets of items; and (c) provides more parsimonious factor solutions than an unrestricted full-information item factor analysis in some cases.

A model is presented for item responses when different subjects employ different strategies, but only responses, not choice of strategy, can be observed. Using substantive theory to differentiate the likelihoods of response vectors under a fixed set of strategies, we model response probabilities in terms of item parameters for each strategy, proportions of subjects employing each strategy, and distributions of subject proficiency within strategies. The probabilities that an individual subject employed the various strategies can then be obtained, along with a conditional estimate of proficiency under each. A conceptual example discusses response strategies for spatial rotation tasks, and a numerican example resolves a population of subjects into subpopulations of valid responders and random guessers.

Diagnostic classification models are confirmatory in the sense that the relationship between the latent attributes and responses to items is specified or parameterized. Such models are readily interpretable with each component of the model usually having a practical meaning. However, parameterized diagnostic classification models are sometimes too simple to capture all the data patterns, resulting in significant model lack of fit. In this paper, we attempt to obtain a compromise between interpretability and goodness of fit by regularizing a latent class model. Our approach starts with minimal assumptions on the data structure, followed by suitable regularization to reduce complexity, so that readily interpretable, yet flexible model is obtained. An expectation–maximization-type algorithm is developed for efficient computation. It is shown that the proposed approach enjoys good theoretical properties. Results from simulation studies and a real application are presented.

Latent class models in the social and behavioral sciences have remained structurally simple. One reason for this is that inference in statistical models can be computationally difficult. Methods for approximate inference, known as variational approximations, which have been developed in the machine learning, graphical modeling and statistical physics literatures, can be used to alleviate the computational difficulties of inference for latent variable models. The aim of the present article is to set these methods alongside some social and behavioral science literature to which they are relevant, and in particular to consider their potential for “categorical causal modeling”, using latent class analysis. We have collated a number of popular categorical-data models with latent variables and causal structure, typically incorporating a Markovian structure. The efficacy of the approximation methods has been demonstrated through simulations related to an important behavioral science model.

We apply the Hawkes process to the analysis of dyadic interaction. The Hawkes process is applicable to excitatory interactions, wherein the actions of each individual increase the probability of further actions in the near future. We consider the representation of the Hawkes process both as a conditional intensity function and as a cluster Poisson process. The former treats the probability of an action in continuous time via non-stationary distributions with arbitrarily long historical dependency, while the latter is conducive to maximum likelihood estimation using the EM algorithm. We first outline the interpretation of the Hawkes process in the dyadic context, and then illustrate its application with an example concerning email transactions in the work place.

In this paper, some psychometric models will be presented that belong to the larger class of latent response models (LRMs). First, LRMs are introduced by means of an application in the field of componential item response theory (Embretson, 1980, 1984). Second, a general definition of LRMs (not specific for the psychometric subclass) is given. Third, some more psychometric LRMs, and examples of how they can be applied, are presented. Fourth, a method for obtaining maximum likelihood (ML) and some maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimates of the parameters of LRMs is presented. This method is then applied to the conjunctive Rasch model. Fifth and last, an application of the conjunctive Rasch model is presented. This model was applied to responses to typical verbal ability items (open synonym items).

In this paper, the constrained maximum likelihood estimation of a two-level covariance structure model with unbalanced designs is considered. The two-level model is reformulated as a single-level model by treating the group level latent random vectors as hypothetical missing-data. Then, the popular EM algorithm is extended to obtain the constrained maximum likelihood estimates. For general nonlinear constraints, the multiplier method is used at the M-step to find the constrained minimum of the conditional expectation. An accelerated EM gradient procedure is derived to handle linear constraints. The empirical performance of the proposed EM type algorithms is illustrated by some artifical and real examples.

A probabilistic choice model is developed for paired comparisons data about psychophysical stimuli. The model is based on Thurstone's Law of Comparative Judgment Case V and assumes that each stimulus is measured on a small number of physical variables. The utility of a stimulus is related to its values on the physical variables either by means of an additive univariate spline model or by means of multivariate spline model. In the additive univariate spline model, a separate univariate spline transformation is estimated for each physical dimension and the utility of a stimulus is assumed to be an additive combination of these transformed values. In the multivariate spline model, the utility of a stimulus is assumed to be a general multivariate spline function in the physical variables. The use of B splines for estimating the transformation functions is discussed and it is shown how B splines can be generalized to the multivariate case by using as basis functions tensor products of the univariate basis functions. A maximum likelihood estimation procedure for the Thurstone Case V model with spline transformation is described and applied for illustrative purposes to various artificial and real data sets. Finally, the model is extended using a latent class approach to the case where there are unreplicated paired comparisons data from a relatively large number of subjects drawn from a heterogeneous population. An EM algorithm for estimating the parameters in this extended model is outlined and illustrated on some real data.

Latent class models are powerful statistical modeling tools widely used in psychological, behavioral, and social sciences. In the modern era of data science, researchers often have access to response data collected from large-scale surveys or assessments, featuring many items (large J) and many subjects (large N). This is in contrary to the traditional regime with fixed J and large N. To analyze such large-scale data, it is important to develop methods that are both computationally efficient and theoretically valid. In terms of computation, the conventional EM algorithm for latent class models tends to have a slow algorithmic convergence rate for large-scale data and may converge to some local optima instead of the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE). Motivated by this, we introduce the tensor decomposition perspective into latent class analysis with binary responses. Methodologically, we propose to use a moment-based tensor power method in the first step and then use the obtained estimates as initialization for the EM algorithm in the second step. Theoretically, we establish the clustering consistency of the MLE in assigning subjects into latent classes when N and J both go to infinity. Simulation studies suggest that the proposed tensor-EM pipeline enjoys both good accuracy and computational efficiency for large-scale data with binary responses. We also apply the proposed method to an educational assessment dataset as an illustration.

Cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs) are a popular family of discrete latent variable models that model students’ mastery or deficiency of multiple fine-grained skills. CDMs have been most widely used to model categorical item response data such as binary or polytomous responses. With advances in technology and the emergence of varying test formats in modern educational assessments, new response types, including continuous responses such as response times, and count-valued responses from tests with repetitive tasks or eye-tracking sensors, have also become available. Variants of CDMs have been proposed recently for modeling such responses. However, whether these extended CDMs are identifiable and estimable is entirely unknown. We propose a very general cognitive diagnostic modeling framework for arbitrary types of multivariate responses with minimal assumptions, and establish identifiability in this general setting. Surprisingly, we prove that our general-response CDMs are identifiable under $\mathbf{Q}$\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$${\textbf{Q}}$$\end{document}-matrix-based conditions similar to those for traditional categorical-response CDMs. Our conclusions set up a new paradigm of identifiable general-response CDMs. We propose an EM algorithm to efficiently estimate a broad class of exponential family-based general-response CDMs. We conduct simulation studies under various response types. The simulation results not only corroborate our identifiability theory, but also demonstrate the superior empirical performance of our estimation algorithms. We illustrate our methodology by applying it to a TIMSS 2019 response time dataset.

Item response curves for a set of binary responses are studied from a Bayesian viewpoint of estimating the item parameters. For the two-parameter logistic model with normally distributed ability, restricted bivariate beta priors are used to illustrate the computation of the posterior mode via the EM algorithm. The procedure is illustrated by data from a mathematics test.