Bayesian estimation of multinomial processing tree models with heterogeneity in participants and items

Psychometrika. 2015 Mar;80(1):205-35. doi: 10.1007/s11336-013-9374-9. Epub 2013 Nov 26.

Abstract

Multinomial processing tree (MPT) models are theoretically motivated stochastic models for the analysis of categorical data. Here we focus on a crossed-random effects extension of the Bayesian latent-trait pair-clustering MPT model. Our approach assumes that participant and item effects combine additively on the probit scale and postulates (multivariate) normal distributions for the random effects. We provide a WinBUGS implementation of the crossed-random effects pair-clustering model and an application to novel experimental data. The present approach may be adapted to handle other MPT models.

MeSH terms

  • Bayes Theorem*
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical*
  • Humans
  • Models, Psychological
  • Models, Statistical