Previously only available as DOS software, BILOG-MG has been updated to the current Windows operating systems: 98, NT, 2000, ME, and XP. Extensive online Help has been added, covering almost completely the newly edited book that combines all four programs in one volume.
Annotated program input and output can be found throughout the online Help system and the new manual.
A graphic module adds item characteristic curves, item information curves, and test information curves to BILOG-MG.
The plots may be saved in the Windows Metafile format (WMF) and are then easily included in applications such as MS Word.
Although the programs are command driven (an analysis is specified by creating a command file with the included editor), BILOG-MG features a dialog-box user interface to assist first-time users or occasional users with writing such a command file.
BILOG-MG handles multiple groups, multiple subtests, and multiple test forms in one analysis, and it includes a simplified forms specification. Both normal and empirical latent distributions can be specified by the user. Bayes estimation of scale scores can be done with a group-specific or global prior. It computes information curves and statistics by form as well as by test. The user can perform similar computations for any arbitrarily selected subset of items. The numerous examples include a folder with all the original BILOG examples and their equivalent command files for BILOG-MG.
Some Features of BILOG-MG 3
• Efficient analysis of binary items including multiple-choice or short-answer items scored right, wrong, omitted, or not-presented
• Capable of large-scale production analysis, and handling of multiple groups
• Performs item analysis and scoring of any
number of subtests or subscales
• Non-equivalent groups equating
• Vertical equating of test forms
• Differential item functioning (DIF)
• Detection and correction for parameter
trends over time (DRIFT)
• Calibration and scoring of tests in two-stage
testing procedures
• Estimation of latent ability or proficiency
distributions
• Provision for items inserted in tests to
estimate item statistics, but not included in
calculation of examinee scores ("variant
items")
• Item fit statistics
• Theoretical and empirical reliability
• Information curves and reliabilities for
putative test forms
• Presentation quality IRT graphics, can be
imported into Word, Access, etc.
• Detailed online HELP document
• Includes a PDF file of a complete user’s
manual
System Requirements
Windows 95, 98, NT, ME, 2000, XP
