A Comparison of Latent Class Analysis and the Mixture Rasch Model Using 8th Grade Mathematics Data in the Fourth International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS-2011)

This study provides a comparison of the results latent class analysis (LCA) and mixture Rasch model (MRM) using data from Trends in International Mathematics Science Study – 2011 (TIMSS-2011) with focus on 8th-grade mathematics section. The research focuses LCA MRM to determine if obtained differ when assumed psychometric differs. Also, log-linear was conducted understand interactions between classes identified by MRM. Response three booklets were used run Mplus 7.31 (Muthén & Muthén, 2012a) for WINMIRA (von Davier, 2001a). findings this paper do not reveal unequivocally whether based primarily qualitative differences (LCA), that is, different strategies, instructional differences, curriculum etc. or including additional factors quantitative within strategies should be particular dataset. Both tests provided similar more less interpretations. techniques fit similarly, result found prior research. Nonetheless, TIMSS exams, item difficulty parameters can useful educational researchers giving potential priority use