Multidimensional fluctuation, pseudo-guessing and carelessness IRT person parameters with polytomous item response models

Frequently, candidates at aptitude multiple choice test miss attention, motivation or preparation and show underachievement or overachievement. Similarly, at surveys respondents show frequently misfitting patterns of responses. Their result does not correspond any more to their true aptitude or attitude, an inappropriate response pattern being obtained. New multidimensional models specific to polytomous responses circumvent these situations and diminish considerably the associated person bias. Multidimensional polytomous item response models adding new person parameters to the trait of the candidate are proposed. In the spirit of previous Raiche’s dichotomous responses IRT propositions, like the discrimination and don’t know item parameters, these models offer fluctuation and don’t know person parameters. Estimation methods, results from simulation showing the efficacy of these models and recommendations for the design of testing situations will be presented.