Modeling the Severity of Drinking Consequences in First-Year College Women: An Item Response Theory Analysis of the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Objective: The present study examined the latent continuum of alcohol-related negative consequences among fi rst-year college women using methods from item response theory and classical test theory. Method: Participants (N = 315) were college women in their freshman year who reported consuming any alcohol in the past 90 days and who completed assessments of alcohol consumption and alcoholrelated negative consequences using the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index. Results: Item response theory analyses showed poor model fi t for fi ve items identifi ed in the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index. Two-parameter item response theory logistic models were applied to the remaining 18 items to examine estimates of item diffi culty (i.e., severity) and discrimination parameters. The item diffi culty parameters ranged from 0.591 to 2.031, and the discrimination parameters ranged from 0.321 to 2.371. Classical test theory analyses indicated that the omission of the fi ve misfi t items did not signifi cantly alter the psychometric properties of the construct. Conclusions: Findings suggest that those consequences that had greater severity and discrimination parameters may be used as screening items to identify female problem drinkers at risk for an alcohol use disorder. (J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs, 72,

Use of Alcohol Mixed With Energy Drinks as a Predictor of Alcohol-Related Consequences Two Years Later

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The Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index for Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Problems: A Comprehensive Modern Psychometric Study

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Studentification and Disorder in a College Town

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