ConstructMap User Guide

This guide includes instructions for using the features of ConstructMap, as well as the equations used in computing the values that are displayed in the reports. It is presented in a tutorial format to familiarize the reader with the capabilities and features of the software using a hands-on approach with sample data.

If you have a specific question, please use the search box in the lefthand panel. Simply type in a keyword, such as import or correlation and click on the Search button to find the information you are looking for.

The documentation begins with an overview of ConstructMap capabilities, then explains how to download and install the software. In the Getting Started section, we guide the reader through the various reports and maps of person proficiency estimates. In that section, the user accesses a 2-dimensional sample project as an example to work through. Next, in the Parameter Estimation section, the reader is introduced to the computational aspects of the program. The reader works through another example to try out the model fitting and analysis features. Finally, in the Data Management section, several methods of importing and exporting data to and from ConstructMap are described, again with sample data files to try out these features.

Introduction to ConstructMap: An Overview

• Reports Overview
• Item Sets
• Projects Overview
• Item Scores in ConstructMap
• Importing and Exporting Overview
• ConstructMap Definitions

Download and Install

• Windows
• Mac OS X
• Updates
• Additional Support

Getting Started: Using the Sample Project Files

• Starting ConstructMap & Loading a Project
• Mapping Respondent Change
• Calibration Demos
• Viewing Data
  • Viewing Response Data
  • Viewing Item Data
  • Viewing Answer Key Data
  • Viewing Item Set Data

• Viewing Performance Maps and Reports
  • Filter Cases
  • Reports for Groups of Respondents
    • Frequency Map
    • Wright Map
    • Group Performance Map
    • Ability Estimates Report
    • Ability Estimates by Level Report
    • Correlation Report
  • Reports for Individual Students
    • Profile Map
    • Performance Map
    • Activity Averaging Map
    • Item Tracking Map
    • Diagnostic Map
    • Graphical Diagnostic Map
    • Student Response Report
  • Setting Report Options
• Setting Estimation Options
  • Proficiency Estimation Type
    • EAP Expected A Posteriori
    • MLE Maximum Likelihood Estimate
    • DPV Draw Plausible Values
  • Other Settings
• Setting Criterion Zone Options

Parameter Estimation

• Calibration Options
• Compute Item Parameters
  • Test-Retest Calibration
  • Alternate Forms Calibration
  • Common Item Equating
  • Error Messages
• Proficiency Estimation
• DIF Analysis
• Results Reports
  • Default Reports
  • Wright Map
  • Graphical Wright Map
  • Item Estimates and Fit Graph
  • Classical Item Statistics
  • Construct Map
  • Fit Graph of Items
  • Fit Graph of Steps
  • Item Characteristic Curves
  • Item Cumulative Probability Curves
  • Test Information Curve
  • Full Ability Estimates Report
  • Correlations Analysis
  • Alternate Forms
• Linking to Conquest

Data Management

• Building a New Project
  • Save the Current Project
  • Import the Model Specification Data
  • Import the Reponse Data
  • Estimate Item and Population Parameters
• Entering Data Directly into ConstructMap
  • Variable Definitions
  • Item Sets
  • Items
  • Demographic Fields
  • Cases
• Entering Data with Imported Files
  • Standard Method
  • Simple Method
  • Tab Delimited Method
• Entering Data Simplest and Quickest Way
  • Enter items directly and generate Student Import File

Other Features

• Construct Map
• Change Password
• Take Notes

Error Messages: What do they mean?

• Unable to compute parameters
• Invalid date entry for items

How-To Guides

• How to deal with missing categories for calibration

Appendix - All Menu Options

Explanation of every option found in the menus: File, Edit, View, Reports&Maps, Estimation Tasks, System, Help.

Index

Find any topic alphabetically: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z