Making diagnostic inferences about cognitive attributes using the rule-space model and attribute hierarchy method

The purpose of this paper is to describe the logic and identify key assumptions associated with making cognitive inferences using two attribute-based psychometric methods. The first method is Kikumi Tatsuoka's rule-space model. This model provides a strong point of reference for studying the nature of diagnostic inferences because it is important in the evolution of skills diagnostic testing and it is well documented. The second method is a new procedure called the attribute hierarchy method that was developed from the rule-space approach. Although the attribute hierarchy method shares many commonalities with rule space, it represents an extension by including an attribute hierarchy that serves as an explicit cognitive model of task performance designed to link psychometric practices with contemporary cognitive theories. In this paper, we describe and compare these two attribute-based psychometric methods and identify new directions for research and practice in skills diagnostic testing.