Bruno D Zumbo
Biographic Data
| ID | 205835 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Bruno D Zumbo |
| GIVEN NAMES | Bruno D |
| FAMILY NAME | Zumbo |
| SIGNATURE | ZUMBO B D |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of British Columbia |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-2885-5724 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 84 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 480 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 84 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1988 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 13 |
Re-interpreting aberrant responses in educational and psychological assessments
Polychoric correlations under the assumption of elliptical latent traits
Categorical structural equation models (cat‐SEM) typically rely on tetrachoric/polychoric correlations under a latent multivariate normality assumption. This can be generalized to an elliptical latent trait, whose radial symmetry justifies treating a single correlation parameter as the target of estimation. This article makes two contributions. First, it introduces an elliptical sieve estimator that profiles the latent correlation over a non‐para…
Reliability as Projection in Operator-Theoretic Test Theory: Conditional Expectation, Hilbert Space Geometry, and Implications for Psychometric Practice
This article reconceptualizes reliability as a theorem derived from the projection geometry of Hilbert space rather than an assumption of classical test theory. Within this framework, the true score is defined as the conditional expectation E ( X ∣ G ) , representing the orthogonal projection of the observed score onto the σ-algebra of the latent variable. Reliability, expressed as Rel ( X ) = Var [ E ( X ∣ G ) ] / Var ( X ) , quantifies the effi…
From Linear Geometry to Nonlinear and Information-Geometric Settings in Test Theory: Bregman Projections as a Unifying Framework
This article develops a unified geometric framework linking expectation, regression, test theory, reliability, and item response theory through the concept of Bregman projection. Building on operator-theoretic and convex-analytic foundations, the framework extends the linear geometry of classical test theory (CTT) into nonlinear and information-geometric settings. Reliability and regression emerge as measures of projection efficiency—linear in Hi…
Bidirectional week-to-week relationships between weekly psychological stress across multiple life domains and engagement with an exercise intervention: Secondary Analysis of Data From a Randomized Tri…
BACKGROUND: Engaging in physical activity can reduce the risk of multiple morbidities and premature mortality. Psychological stress can hinder the development and maintenance of physical activity behaviors. There is a dearth of research on how these two processes interact. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the week-to-week bidirectional associations between weekly psychological stress across multiple domains (e.g. social, economi…
Psychological needs and exercise behaviour: A comparison of two psychological needs models
OBJECTIVE: Psychological need satisfaction, from a self-determination theory (SDT) perspective, has been applied extensively to understand predictors of exercise behaviour. Dweck proposed a psychological needs framework that includes basic needs (optimal predictability, competence, acceptance), compound needs derived from combinations of basic needs (self-esteem/status, trust, control), and a superordinate compound need for self-coherence that in…
Accuracy of mixture item response theory models for identifying sample heterogeneity in patient-reported outcomes: A simulation study
Differential Item Functioning of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Among Chinese Adolescents
The Role of Item Distributions on Reliability Estimation: The Case of Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha
Simulations concerning the distributional assumptions of coefficient alpha are contradictory. To provide a more principled theoretical framework, this article relies on the Fréchet–Hoeffding bounds, in order to showcase that the distribution of the items play a role on the estimation of correlations and covariances. More specifically, these bounds restrict the theoretical correlation range [−1, 1] such that certain correlation structures may be u…
A Propensity Score Method for Investigating Differential Item Functioning in Performance Assessment
This study introduces a novel differential item functioning (DIF) method based on propensity score matching that tackles two challenges in analyzing performance assessment data, that is, continuous task scores and lack of a reliable internal variable as a proxy for ability or aptitude. The proposed DIF method consists of two main stages. First, propensity score matching is used to eliminate preexisting group differences before the test, ideally c…
A Measurement Is a Choice and Stevens’ Scales of Measurement Do Not Help Make It: A Response to Chalmers
Chalmers recently published a critique of the use of ordinal [Formula: see text] proposed in Zumbo et al. as a measure of test reliability in certain research settings. In this response, we take up the task of refuting Chalmers’ critique. We identify three broad misconceptions that characterize Chalmers’ criticisms: (1) confusing assumptions with consequences of mathematical models, and confusing both with definitions, (2) confusion about the def…
Scoping review of response shift methods: Current reporting practices and recommendations
The use of latent variable mixture models to identify invariant items in test construction
The DLD framework and the use of LVMMs have significant potential for advancing theoretical developments and research on item selection and the development of PROMs for heterogeneous populations
Is it getting better? An analytical method to test trends in health disparities, with tobacco use among sexual minority vs. heterosexual youth as an example
All orientation groups had decreasing trends in recent cigarette smoking; however, disparities in smoking rates remain between heterosexual adolescents and bisexual adolescents. These results provide a new method of not just documenting trends within minority groups, but examining whether health equity is improving for them compared to dominant groups
Minimal impact of response shift for SF-12 mental and physical health status in homeless and vulnerably housed individuals: An item-level multi-group analysis
GrOup based physical Activity for oLder adults (Goal) randomized controlled trial: Study protocol
ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT02023632 . Registered December 13, 2013
The relationship between transformational teaching and adolescent physical activity: The mediating roles of personal and relational efficacy beliefs
The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which transformational teaching, exhibited by secondary school physical education teachers, predicts within-class physical activity and leisure-time physical activity among adolescents. The study used a prospective observational design and involved data collected from 874 Grade 10 adolescents ( Mage = 15.41, ( SD) = .61). Through use of structural equation modeling, the results revealed that …
A Cautionary Note on the Use of the Vale and Maurelli Method to Generate Multivariate, Nonnormal Data for Simulation Purposes
To further understand the properties of data-generation algorithms for multivariate, nonnormal data, two Monte Carlo simulation studies comparing the Vale and Maurelli method and the Headrick fifth-order polynomial method were implemented. Combinations of skewness and kurtosis found in four published articles were run and attention was specifically paid to the quality of the sample estimates of univariate skewness and kurtosis. In the first study…
Binary Logistic Regression Analysis for Detecting Differential Item Functioning: Effectiveness of R 2 and Delta Log Odds Ratio Effect Size Measures
The authors analyze the effectiveness of the R 2 and delta log odds ratio effect size measures when using logistic regression analysis to detect differential item functioning (DIF) in dichotomous items. A simulation study was carried out, and the Type I error rate and power estimates under conditions in which only statistical testing was used were compared with the rejection rates obtained when statistical testing was combined with an effect size…
On Johnson's (2000) Relative Weights Method for Assessing Variable Importance: A Reanalysis
This article provides a reanalysis of J. W. Johnson's (2000) "relative weights" method for assessing variable importance in multiple regression. The primary conclusion of the reanalysis is that the derivation of the method is theoretically flawed and has no more validity than the discredited method of Green, Carroll, and DeSarbo (1978) on which it is based. By means of 2 examples, supplemented by other results from the literature, it is also show…
Psychometric Evaluation of the Six-Item Version of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure with East Asian Adolescents in Canada
We examined the psychometric properties of scores on a six-item version of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) among East Asian adolescents in Canada. A series of confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) was conducted for 4,190 East Asians who completed a provincial survey of students in grades 7 through 12. The MEIM measured highly correlated dimensions of ethnic identity (exploration and commitment). Further, multigroup CFA indicated that t…
Ethnic Identity and Sexual Initiation Among East Asian Youth in Canada
Do They Make a Difference? The Impact of English Language Programs on Second Language Students in Canadian Universities
Few studies have investigated the impact of English language programs on second language (L2) students studying in Canadian universities (Cheng & Fox, 2008; Fox, 2005, 2009). This article reports on questionnaire responses of 641 L2 students studying in 36 English language programs in 26 Canadian universities. The researchers identified programs by their activity emphasis as either English as a second language ( ESL ) or English for academic purp…
Effectiveness of Combining Statistical Tests and Effect Sizes When Using Logistic Discriminant Function Regression to Detect Differential Item Functioning for Polytomous Items
The objective of this article was to find an optimal decision rule for identifying polytomous items with large or moderate amounts of differential functioning. The effectiveness of combining statistical tests with effect size measures was assessed using logistic discriminant function analysis and two effect size measures: R 2 and conditional log odds ratio in delta scale (Δ LR ). Four independent variables were manipulated: (a) different sample s…
False Positives in Multiple Regression: Unanticipated Consequences of Measurement Error in the Predictor Variables
Type I error rates in multiple regression, and hence the chance for false positive research findings, can be drastically inflated when multiple regression models are used to analyze data that contain random measurement error. This article shows the potential for inflated Type I error rates in commonly encountered scenarios and provides new insights into the causes of this problem. Computer simulations and an illustrative example are used to demon…
Understanding and Using Mediators and Moderators
Investigating Validity Evidence of the Satisfaction with Life Scale Adapted for Children
Health and the Quality of Life
Does Weighting Capture What's Important? Revisiting Subjective Importance Weighting with a Quality of Life Measure
Criminal Victimization and the Quality of Life
Life Satisfaction in Early Adolescence: Personal, Neighborhood, School, Family, and Peer Influences
Assessing the Unidimensionality of Psychological Scales: Using Multiple Criteria from Factor Analysis
Public Services and the Quality of Life
Health and Other Aspects of the Quality of Life of Older People
Validation of Multilevel Constructs: Validation Methods and Empirical Findings for the EDI
A Note on the Dimensionality of Quality of Life Scales: An Illustration with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)
An Investigation of Measures of Modern and Old-Fashioned Sexism
A Dialectic on Validity: Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going
It has been suggested that the primary issue in considerations of validity today is the discrepancy between currently accepted theory and the practice of validation. The reason for this discrepancy may be that although considerable discussion has taken place in educational measurement and psychometrics regarding changes in our conceptions of validity, that has not been the case more generally in the social and behavioral sciences. A dialectic on …
Psychometric Evaluation of the Hebrew Language Version of the Satisfaction with Life Scale
Ethnicity, Modern Prejudice and the Quality of Life
On Variable Importance in Linear Regression
Determinants of Health and the Quality of Life in the Bella Coola Valley
Investigating the Substantive Aspect of Construct Validity for the Satisfaction with Life Scale Adapted for Children: A Focus on Cognitive Processes
Quality of Life in Jasper, Alberta
Development and Psychometric Properties of the Transformational Teaching Questionnaire
We draw from transformational leadership theory (Bass & Riggio, 2006) to develop a reliable and valid measure of transformational teaching, for use within school-based physical education contexts. In Phase 1, we utilized established instrument development procedures, involving teachers, students, and experts in transformational leadership theory to ensure that items exhibited sound content validity, and were developmentally appropriate. In Phase …
Sample Heterogeneity and the Measurement Structure of the Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale
Validity and the Consequences of Test Interpretation and Use
Validation Theory and Research for a Population-Level Measure of Children's Development, Wellbeing, and School Readiness
Healthy Days, Health Satisfaction and Satisfaction with the Overall Quality of Life
Multiple-Indicator Multilevel Growth Model: A Solution to Multiple Methodological Challenges in Longitudinal Studies
Implicit Ordinal Number Knowledge Tasks as Predictors for Number Line Comprehension: A Validation Study
In developmental literature, seriation, correspondence, and transitivity tasks are frequently used as measurements of implicit ordinal number knowledge. In this study, the relationship between these three types of implicit ordinal number knowledge tasks and explicit ordinal number knowledge (as measured with number line comprehension tasks) are reported. Subjects were 170 four to seven-year-old children from kindergarten and elementary school gra…
An empirical investigation of Eysenck's typology
The Relative Power of the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney Test and Student t Test Under Simple Bounded Transformations
The Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and related nonparametric statistical methods based on ranks have been found to be more powerful than parametric tests such as the Student t test for various heavy-tailed distributions, including the exponential, Cauchy, and mixed-normal distributions, both in the asymptotic limit and for relatively small sample sizes. The present computer simulation study provided evidence that this power advantage results from red…
Increasing the Power of Tests of Location and Correlation by Transforming Scores to Ranks and Indicators
For various nonnormal distributions, the power of the Student t test can be increased if continuous measures are transformed to ranks before the test is performed. The power of the test can also be increased almost as much and, even more for some distributions, if measures are replaced by dichotomous variables with the values 0 and 1, instead of ranks. Similarly, the power of a significance test of correlation can be increased if scores are trans…
Coefficient Alpha as an Estimate of Test Reliability Under Violation of Two Assumptions
Through use of computer simulation, the central tendency and variability of coefficient alpha were examined under violation of two assumptions made in the derivation of the formula. When assumptions were satisfied, the mean value of coefficient alpha was extremely close to the population reliability coefficient, but values were highly variable. This result was independent of the shape of the population distribution of test scores. Coefficient alp…
Significance Testing of Correlation Using Scores, Ranks, and Modified Ranks
A computer simulation study compared significance tests of correlation coefficients calculated from initial scores, from ranks assigned by the Spearman method, and from three kinds of modified ranks in which N sample values were replaced by N12, N/3, and N14 integers. Tests based on the initial scores are more powerful than those based on the various ranks for normal distributions, whereas the reverse is true for mixed-normal, exponential, and Ca…
A Dialectic on Validity: Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going
It has been suggested that the primary issue in considerations of validity today is the discrepancy between currently accepted theory and the practice of validation. The reason for this discrepancy may be that although considerable discussion has taken place in educational measurement and psychometrics regarding changes in our conceptions of validity, that has not been the case more generally in the social and behavioral sciences. A dialectic on …
An Empirical Test of Roskam's Conjecture about the Interpretation of an ICC Parameter in Personality Inventories
Roskam conjectured in 1985 that a general interpretation can be made for the a-parameter (slope) in an item response theory (IRT) analysis of personality inventories. That is, Roskam suggested that steeper slopes (and hence higher item-total correlations in classical test theory) will be found with more concretely worded items, whereas lower slopes will be found with more abstractly worded items. The authors tested this conjecture using item-tota…
On Variable Importance in Linear Regression
Opening Remarks to the Special Issue on Validity Theory and the Methods Used in Validation: Perspectives from the Social and Behavioral Sciences
Construct Validity of Attributional Style: Modeling Context-Dependent Item Sets in the Attributional Style Questionnaire
The format of the Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) lends itself to a consideration of context-dependent item sets (CDIS) and a reevaluation of the factor structure of the questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis of data from 1,346 ASQ respondents revealed that adequate fit was provided by a three-factor (locus, stability, globality) attributional style model that included CDIS. The findings demonstrated that CDIS introduced extra covari…
Public Services and the Quality of Life
An Investigation of Measures of Modern and Old-Fashioned Sexism
A Statistical Examination of the Health Utility Index-Mark III as a Summary Measure of Health Status for a General Population Health Survey
Health and the Quality of Life
Quality of Life in Jasper, Alberta
Criminal Victimization and the Quality of Life
Ethnicity, Modern Prejudice and the Quality of Life
Health and Other Aspects of the Quality of Life of Older People
Access to Health Care: Social Determinants of Preventive Cancer Screening Use in Northern British Columbia
Healthy Days, Health Satisfaction and Satisfaction with the Overall Quality of Life
Differential Item Functioning Results May Change Depending On How An Item Is Scored: An Illustration With The Center For Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale
The present study investigated potentially biased scale items on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D). The 20-item CES-D was scored using two binary methods (presence and persistence) and one ordinal method. Gender differential item functioning (DIF) was explored using Zumbo’s OLR method with corresponding logistic regression effect size estimator with all three scoring methods. Gender DIF was found with the CES-D item “crying”…
Does item-level DIF manifest itself in scale-level analyses? Implications for translating language tests
Based on the observation that scale-level methods are sometimes exclusively used to investigate measurement invariance for test translation, this article describes the results of a simulation study investigating whether item-level differential item functioning (DIF) manifests itself in scale-level analyses such as single and multi-group factor analyses and per group coefficient alpha. The simulation factors were two levels of DIF (moderate and la…
Which Model is Best? Robustness Properties to Justify Model Choice Among Unidimensional IRT Models under Item Parameter Drift
This article extends recent research on item parameter drift by investigating the robustness properties of basic unidimensional IRT models. Specifically, the article explores whether it is possible to advocate the consistent choice of one model over another based on its robustness properties under drift. On the one hand, it is shown that the biases that are introduced due to drift are minor for most practically relevant circumstances across all m…
A Note on How to Quantify and Report Whether Irt Parameter Invariance Holds: When Pearson Correlations are Not Enough
Based on seminal work by Lord and Hambleton, Swaminathan, and Rogers, this article is an analytical, graphical, and conceptual reminder that item response theory (IRT) parameter invariance only holds for perfect model fit in multiple populations or across multiple conditions and is thus an ideal state. In practice, one attempts to quantify the degree to which a lack of invariance is likely to be present through repeated calibrations of item and e…
Psychology (64 works) · Mathematics (45 works) · Statistics (43 works) · Medicine (34 works) · Psychometrics (34 works) · Public health (32 works) · Computer Science (28 works) · Econometrics (28 works) · Psychometric Methodologies and Testing (25 works) · Quality of Life Research (23 works)