Bayesian Estimation of Normal Ogive Item Response Curves Using Gibbs Sampling

The problem of estimating item parameters from a two-parameter normal ogive model is considered. Gibbs sampling (Gelfand & Smith, 1990) is used to simulate draws from the joint posterior distribution of the ability and item parameters. This method gives marginal posterior density estimates for any parameter of interest; these density estimates can be used to judge the accuracy of normal approximations based on maximum likelihood estimates. This simulation technique is illustrated using data from a mathematics placement exam.