Item response theory validation of social studies aptitude test

Abstract

This study assessed the psychometric properties of the social studies aptitude test (SSAT) using the 3-parameter item response theory model. The four research questions guided the study. A 100-item multiple-choice SSAT was used as an instrument for the study. The data were collated and analyzed using chi-square goodness of fit and factor analysis. The findings revealed that all the 100 items measured a single construct; that most of the items (94 out of 100) were either satisfactory (need no revision), good or moderate (needs little or no revision); most of the items (89 out of 100) were either very easy or easy; and most of the items (73 out of 100) are not susceptible to guessing. The study recommended, among others, that the developed SSAT should be used by social studies teachers for the assessment of secondary school students, especially during mock examinations.