Evaluating Rater Accuracy in Rater-Mediated Assessments Using an Unfolding Model

The number of performance assessments continues to increase around the world, and it is important to explore new methods for evaluating the quality of ratings obtained from raters. This study describes an unfolding model for examining rater accuracy. Accuracy is defined as the difference between observed and expert ratings. Dichotomous accuracy ratings (0 = inaccurate, 1 = accurate) are unfolded into three latent categories: inaccurate below expert ratings, accurate ratings, and inaccurate above expert ratings. The hyperbolic cosine model (HCM) is used to examine dichotomous accuracy ratings from a statewide writing assessment. This study suggests that HCM is a promising approach for examining rater accuracy, and that the HCM can provide a useful interpretive framework for evaluating the quality of ratings obtained within the context of rater-mediated assessments.