Data-Driven Learning of Q-Matrix

The recent surge of interests in cognitive assessment has led to developments of novel statistical models for diagnostic classification. Central to many such models is the well-known Q-matrix, which specifies the item-attribute relationships. This article proposes a data-driven approach to identification of the Q-matrix and estimation of related model parameters. A key ingredient is a flexible T-matrix that relates the Q-matrix to response patterns. The flexibility of the T-matrix allows the construction of a natural criterion function as well as a computationally amenable algorithm. Simulations results are presented to demonstrate usefulness and applicability of the proposed method. Extension to handling of the Q-matrix with partial information is presented. The proposed method also provides a platform on which important statistical issues, such as hypothesis testing and model selection, may be formally addressed.