Step-by-Step Guide to Applying the Rasch Model Using R

This new edition provides a step-by-step guide to applying the Rasch model in R, a probabilistic model used by researchers across the social sciences to measure unobservable (“latent”) variables. Although the focus is on simple R code, the book provides updated guidance through the point-and-click menus of BlueSky Statistics software. The book covers all Rasch models frequently used in social sciences, from the Simple Rasch model to the Rating Scale, Partial Credit, and Many-Facets Rasch models. Using a pragmatic approach to model-data fit, this book offers helpful practical examples to investigate Rasch model assumptions. In addition to traditional Rasch model approaches, it introduces the Rasch model as a special case of a Generalized Mixed Effects Model. Readers will also benefit from the online support material which includes all the code used in the book in downloadable and useable files. It also provides a comprehensive guide to R programming and practical guidance on using BlueSky Statistics software's point-and-click menus. This dual approach enables readers to experiment with data analysis using the provided data sets, enhancing their understanding and application of statistical concepts. It will be a valuable resource for both students and researchers who want to use Rasch models in their research.

"A fantastic introduction to the Rasch model from the novice to the experienced researcher with self-assessment questions, code, exercises and additional readings. Iasonas Lamprianou took on the challenging task of making accessible information that are not readily understood. His step by step approach builds upon prior knowledge and enables the reader to follow through more challenging concepts. Concepts and terms are made easy using a very gentle introductory approach for individuals with little background in mathematics and statistics. The available code enables the reader to easily apply each methodology and visualize results and obtain the necessary statistics. It is a must have for graduate students and researchers who plan on utilizing the Rasch model for scale development and evaluation." - Georgios Sideridis, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, US"This book is an extremely useful introduction to a very important but still relatively little- known approach to carrying out quantitative research in education, psychology, economics or social sciences, to name just a few areas of study. All these fields benefit from the measurement of constructs such as language proficiency, political engagement, quality of life, extroversion, or parental support that cannot be observed directly but have to be constructed from concrete indicators. Lamprianou discusses the principles and practice of building measures with Rasch analyses in a very accessible way by walking the reader through the key concepts with the help of published studies. He encourages the readers to conduct their own analyses with the provided data samples by using the freely available software BlueSky Statistics which is based on the R platform. The book has a lot to offer to those who are involved in constructing measures across a wide range of areas of studies." - Ari Huhta, University of Jyväskylä, Finland"This is an ideal book for the beginner and the experienced researcher interested to explore or enhance their knowledge and skills on the "magic world of the Rasch models", making the transition to the R platform. The author has made an excellent work in organising the book in such a way to effectively guide the reader through simple steps from conducting a Rasch analysis to more contemporary and advanced methods such as the Generalized Linear Mixed Models. The last chapter is a real innovation: it provides a fully blown example of how to construct a manuscript for submission to a journal, using the Rasch model. Applying the Rasch model in Social Sciences using R is a well written book with real life applications that could be a great resource for anyone interested in learning and applying Rasch modelling in analysing research data." - Panagiotis Antoniou, University of Cambridge, UK"Applying the Rasch Model in Social Sciences using R and BlueSky Sta

Iasonas Lamprianou is Associate Professor of Quantitative Methods at the University of Cyprus. He specializes in the operationalization and measurement of latent variables in the social sciences. Iasonas has a long-standing interest on the application of Rasch models on empirical data and has published widely in diverse disciplines such as education, political science, sociology and psychology.