Item Response Theory in Scale Development Research

Abstract

As scale development researchers, we have followed Mallinckrodt and colleagues’ work over recent years with significant interest. The scale development process can be challenging and typically demands a large investment of time. However, the end of the process is rewarding when the resulting scale is psychometrically sound. Mallinckrodt, Miles, and Recabarren’s contribution in this volume of The Counseling Psychologist attempted to help integrate the use of item response theory in the scale development process. Although they are to be commended for this endeavor, there are some limitations inherent in their contribution. This reaction provides a critical evaluation of their work to augment their recommendations.