Latent trait and latent class models

This article discusses some important item response models and calls for their more frequent use in spout psychology. The main focus is an latent trait models and latent class models and their basic features. Different tests of the goodness of fit for bath types of models are presented Then three detailed examples of applications of such models are presented.. (I) an assessment of spectator identification (a latent trait model), (2) a test of sex role types (a latent class model), and (3) the identification of spatial abilities (a mixed Rasch model). It is concluded that such item response mad els are highly appropriate for testing numerous hypotheses in sport psychology.