Contextual explanations of local dependence in item clusters in a large scale hands-on science performance assessment

This study provides hypothesized explanations for local item dependence (LI D) in a large scale hands-on science performance assessment Items within mu lti-step item clusters were classified as low or high in LID using contextu al analysis procedures described in this and other studies. LID was identif ied statistically using the average within cluster (AWC) correlation proced ure described in previous studies. Levels of LID identified in contextual a nalyses were compared to levels of LID identified in correlation analyses. Consistent with other studies, items that appear to elicit locally dependen t responses require examinees to answer and explain their answer or to use given or generated information to respond.