Can Factor Scores be Used Instead of Total Score and Ability Estimation

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether factor scorescan be used instead of ability estimation and total score. For this purpose,the relationships among total score, ability estimation, and factor scoreswere investigated. In the research, Turkish subtest data from the Transitionfrom Primary to Secondary Education (TEOG) exam applied in April 2014were used. Total scores in this study were calculated from the total numberof correct answers given by individuals to each item. Ability estimationswere obtained from a three-parameter logistic model chosen from amongitem response theory (IRT) models. The Bartlett method was used for factorscore estimation. Thus, the ability estimation, sum, and factor scores of eachindividual were obtained. When the relationship between these variableswas investigated, it was observed that there was a high-level, positive, andstatistically significant relationship. In the result section of this study, asvariables have a high-level relationship, it was suggested that since variablescould be used interchangeably, factor scores should be used. Although thetotal scores of individuals were equal, there were differences in terms offactor score and ability estimations. Therefore, it was suggested that itemresponse theory assumptions were not met, or factor scores should be usedwhen the sample size is small.