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Book Review: Applying the Rasch Model: Fundamental Measurement in the Human Sciences

Applying the Rasch Model is a book that should be embraced by the research community as a foundation to the basic properties and principles of Rasch measurement. There is no question that the authors have achieved their goal of presenting an accessible overview that would not require a sophisticated statistical background. This book would draw even the most novice researcher into the topic. It is a first-rate selection for the practicing researcher who wants a tutorial on the Rasch model, for the faculty looking to find an introductory text on Rasch measurement, or for those who desire to extend their knowledge of various Rasch models and their applications. Bond and Fox have done an excellent job of taking a difficult task and making it understandable and useful to the research community. The book contains a preface, 13 chapters, two appendixes, and a glossary. In addition, there is an extensive list of references as the authors pull from numerous sources to provide the most up-to-date information on Rasch measurement and its applications. In the early chapters, the authors overview measurement, its importance and its fundamentals, and the basic concepts of the Rasch model. Chapter 1 introduces the concepts of measuring human variables, making the contention for objective measurement via the Rasch model. Chapter 2, “Important Principles of Measurement Made Explicit,” is an excellent teaching resource and explains the strengths of using probabilistic models in a concise and explicable manner. Chapter 3 begins a discussion of unidimensionality, item fit, person ability, and item difficulty estimates, as well as reliability. What follows next is a superb description of various Rasch models. Chapter 4 introduces the basic dichotomous model. The complex issue of test equating is overviewed in chapter 5. Likert-type scale models, prevalent in human sciences, are described in chapter 6. Chapter 7 focuses on the partial credit model, and the manyfacets model is presented in chapter 8. Stagelike development is made easily comprehensible in chapter 9. The model presentations are followed by real-world illustrations in chapters 10 and 11, with the latter focusing on the ever-so-popular rating scale data. Chapter 12, “The Question of Model Fit,” embarks on one of the biggest points of discussion in Rasch measurement. Here, model fit is explained through real-world examples, providing readers with the information needed to utilize, or at least consider, these issues in their own research. In the concluding chapter of the book, the authors provide a general overview. Figures and output samples throughout the book provide concrete illustrations of the topics. From start to finish, Bond and Fox approach the audience in a workbook approach providing the reader with fundamental ideas, basic instructions, and an example of how to apply a range of techniques of Rasch measurement. Using developmental data sets and a step-by-step process, the utility of the Rasch model is clearly explained, a task not easily accomplished. Perhaps the best bonus in the book is the sample Quest