Estimates of 2PL IRT (item response theory) parameters may be obtained by activating a special system option. Getting Lertap 5 to prepare data and control files for Xcalibre 4, Iteman 4, and Bilog-MG, is discussed in this topic.

A Rasch analysis for cognitive test items, such as those found in multiple-choice quizzes and tests, may be processed using this special macro.

A comprehensive interface for the IRT routines in SAS is discussed in this topic, while a handy IRT routine made to use with Excel, "EIRT", works very well with Lertap and is easy to use.

Factor analysis is supported via a capable principal-components option. We have an introductory discussion, and a practical example. Interfacing Lertap 5's inter-item correlation matrix to SPSS is demonstrated here.

Interested in calculating McDonald's omega statistics (another way of estimating reliability)? Lertap has support, have a look.

Support for online testing systems and LMS, learning management systems, has been developed, including Angel Learning (now part of Blackboard) and Pearson VUE. Special support modules are available for working with such systems. An example based on Angel Learning is mentioned here, while another example, focused on PearsonVUE, may be enjoyed with a click here.

We have support for users of Pearson VUE's Exam Developer system too. A Lertap option will see that item statistics and test results are carried over to the special Excel workbook used in Exam Developer.

Test scores may be rescaled or transformed. Read how to do this.

Categorical variables may be recoded readily, using a Lertap 5 option, or by using standard Excel features. Categorical variables include, for example, Gender, Native Language, Grade Level, School District, and so on. Read more about recoding such variables.

An external score may be used as the criterion measure for calculating item statistics. This is accomplished by activating the "external criterion option".

It is possible to actually program Lertap 5 so as to incorporate site-specific capabilities. Programs are written using "VBA". VBA Excel macros are placed in a Lertap 5 companion workbook, Lertap5MacroSetA.xlam. Each macro is then linked to Lertap5's Excel tab. For help and examples, see these links the Macs menu; and a very practical example based on an online testing package.

Preparing "ASCII" data files for importing into Excel / Lertap 5 is exemplified in a couple of places. Excel has a "data importer" which is powerful and not difficult to use. A more involved importing procedure is exemplified in this technical paper.

A "did-not-see" option may be used to adjust test scores when students are not presented with all test items. Read about the use of this option when missing data are also present.

A correction for chance scoring option, "CFC", may be applied to adjust test scores for the effects of guessing. A correction of this sort is also commonly known as "formula scoring". Mention of this option is made in Example C6, and it's also covered in Chapter 10 of the manual.