Practical Considerations in Using IRT Models

The virtues of item response theory and the potential it holds for solving hitherto unsolvable problems in the area of mental measurement make item response theoretic procedures invaluable to practitioners. However, item response theory is mathematically complex, is based on strong assumptions, and its applicability is almost totally dependent on the availability of large computers. The basic question that arises then is: Under what circumstances should the practitioner take the plunge and apply item response theory procedures?