THE PAST AND FUTURE OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL ITEM RESPONSE THEORY

Multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) is a relatively new metho dology for modeling the relationships in a matrix of responses to a se t of test items. MIRT has been used to help understand the skills requ ired to successfully respond to test items, the extraneous examinee ch aracteristics that affect the probability of response to items (DIF), and the complexities behind equating test forms, among other applicati ons. This paper provides a short introduction to the historical antece dents of MIRT, the initial development of MIRT procedures, the similar ities of MIRT procedures to other analysis techniques, and potential f uture directions for MIRT.