An empirical inquiry into the relationship between test factor structure and test hierarchical structure

Abstract

This study investigated whether or not test factor structure indicates something about the test hierarchical structure. Two sets of items were located such that one set of items was found to have basically a two-factor structure. Two different methods were used to establish the factor structures. These sets of item data were then analyzed with a refined ordering-theoretic method to determine item hierarchies. No hierarchy structure was found for either set of items. Thus, it is suggested that test factor structure tells little, if anything, about test hierarchical structure. A search for the theoretical bases for these discrepancies is recommended.