Latent Trait Theory and Attitude Scaling: the Use of Information Functions For Item Selection

This expository paper demonstrates the usefulness of Latent Trait Theory based procedures for purposes of attitude scaling. In particular, it is shown that different items provide different amounts of "information" (or discerning ability) for varying attitude levels. Consequently, items may be chosen according to their ability to provide information at specific attitude levels. Also, redundancy may be reduced by eliminating items presenting similar information.