A Polytomous Extension of the Higher-Order, Hidden Markov Model with Covariates and Hierarchical Learning Trajectories

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Polytomous Extension of the Higher-Order, Hidden Markov Model with Covariates and Hierarchical Learning Trajectories
Language: English
Authors: Xin Xu (ORCID 0000-0002-0791-111X), Shixiu Ren, Xintong Shan, Danhui Zhang
Source: Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics. 2026 51(1):206-247.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 42
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Markov Processes, Item Response Theory, Models, Cognitive Measurement, Simulation, Educational Assessment, Learning Trajectories, Longitudinal Studies, Data Analysis
DOI: 10.3102/10769986251313769
ISSN: 1076-9986
1935-1054
Abstract: In practice, constructed-response items are commonly used to diagnose students' performance using polytomous scores. Existing longitudinal cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs) primarily focus on dichotomizing the data, unsuitable for polytomous scores. This article introduces a longitudinal CDM for handling polytomous responses over time. The proposed model expands the capabilities of learning models to handle polytomous data and account for hierarchies among attributes within the CDMs. For estimation, a Gibbs formulation was proposed to estimate parameters in the measurement part, while a Metropolis-Hastings sampler was employed for the transition part. An empirical study was conducted to showcase the practical application and advantages of the proposed model. Additionally, two simulation studies demonstrated that parameters can be well recovered under various conditions.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 20260101
Accession Number: EJ1514329
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In practice, constructed-response items are commonly used to diagnose students' performance using polytomous scores. Existing longitudinal cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs) primarily focus on dichotomizing the data, unsuitable for polytomous scores. This article introduces a longitudinal CDM for handling polytomous responses over time. The proposed model expands the capabilities of learning models to handle polytomous data and account for hierarchies among attributes within the CDMs. For estimation, a Gibbs formulation was proposed to estimate parameters in the measurement part, while a Metropolis-Hastings sampler was employed for the transition part. An empirical study was conducted to showcase the practical application and advantages of the proposed model. Additionally, two simulation studies demonstrated that parameters can be well recovered under various conditions.
ISSN:1076-9986
1935-1054
DOI:10.3102/10769986251313769