Abstract:

This research addresses a requirement of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation to establish an overall, latent trait measure of bachelor’s degree thesis quality. Consequently, a Rasch model for rating scales was implemented to estimate difficulty parameters of qualitative indicators on a unidimensional scale, and then their conformability to a common theoretical construct was assessed with Chi-square fit analysis. Virtually all qualitative indicators conformed to a common latent trait construct that is useful for measuring bachelor’s degree thesis quality.

Empirical analyses provide important insights into latent variables, first, because they reveal how well a theoretical construct such as bachelor’s degree thesis quality conforms to an objective measurement model such as the Rasch model. Indicators actually show conformability to measurement principles. Secondly, they provide practical information about the performance of graduates, as well as the educational process.

Keywords:

Bachelor’s degree thesis quality, Rasch model, measurement, linear scale.