April 18, 2002

Vita

 

Stephen Stark

 

Ph.D. Student                                                               Phone: (217) 333-9631 / (217) 333-2739

Industrial / Organizational Psychology                e-mail: sstark@s.psych.uiuc.edu

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign                   

603 E. Daniel St.

Champaign, IL  61820

 

Birthdate: January 1, 1968                                            Home address:

Birthplace: Jefferson, LA                                               2511 Pond St.

                                                                                    Urbana, IL 61801

                                                                                    Phone: (217) 337-0389

                                                                                    Mobile: (217) 390-8742

 

Degrees Awarded

 

Ph.D. I/O Psychology               University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, April 2002

           

A.M. I/O Psychology               University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1999

 

B.S. Physics                             University of New Orleans, 1991

 

 

Educational History

 

·        Ph.D.;  major: Industrial/Organizational Psychology, minor: Quantitative Psychology;  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign;  dates attended:  Fall 1996 – May 2002.

 

·        A.M.;  major: Industrial/Organizational Psychology; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign;  dates attended:  Fall 1996 – present;  degree awarded: Summer 1999.

 

·        Transferred;  non-matriculated graduate study;  Psychology;  Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA;  dates attended: Fall 1994 – Spring 1996;  transferred from University of New Orleans.

 

·        Post-Baccalaureate study;  Physics / Pre-medical;  University of New Orleans,  New Orleans, LA;  dates attended:  Fall, 1991 – Spring 1994.

 

·        B.S.;  major: Physics;  University of New Orleans;  dates attended: Fall, 1985 – Spring 1991;  degree awarded: Spring 1991.

 

Research

 

Current research is in the area of psychometrics with applications in industrial/organizational, personality, and educational psychology.  Specific projects include:

 

A.     Exploring the fit of ideal point IRT models to personality data.  Previous research suggested that traditional logistic models do not fit some personality scales well.  Investigations are under way to explore the fit of various unidimensional ideal point item response theory (IRT) models to single-stimulus and paired-comparison personality data (Stark, Chernyshenko, Lee, & Drasgow, 2000).

 

B.     Faking on personality measures.  Development of a fake-resistant personality inventory and IRT-based scoring procedure.  Research involving the Army’s Assessment of Individual Motivation (AIM) inventory has suggested that administering pairs of pairs of personality descriptors involving different dimensions (e.g., conscientiousness and extraversion), which are similar in terms of social desirability, substantially reduces dissimulation.  It has been suggested also that IRT-based scoring will be more accurate than classical test theory (CTT) methods that rely on heuristics.  Thus, for my dissertation, I am developing a new IRT model, called GGUM-MU, that can be used to score response data obtained using a fake-resistant paired-comparison format.  GGUM-MU is an extension of the Generalized Graded Unfolding Model for single stimulus responses (Roberts, Donoghue, & Laughlin, 2000). 

 

C.     Examining the effects of differential item/test functioning (DIF/DTF) on selection decisions:  When do statistically significant effects become practically important?  A common criticism of statistically significant DIF/DTF findings is that they may lack practical significance.  Moreover, because items and tests may exhibit DIF/DTF in unexpected directions, and for reasons that are not apparent, questions are often raised concerning the usefulness of DIF/DTF results for improving test construction and selection, particularly when the cost of writing new items is substantial.  This research examines the combined effects of DIF/DTF and impact (mean differences on the attribute measured across groups) on educational and employment selection decisions.  The probability of being selected from a particular applicant group is studied under various combinations of DTF and impact using two approaches, and guidelines are provided for practitioners (Stark, Chernyshenko, & Drasgow, in progress).      

 

D.     Examining the effects of dependence on IRT parameter estimation and scoring in a computer-based testing environment.  The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is currently developing a new computerized exam for professional licensure in accounting.  Toward that end, University of Illinois researchers have conducted psychometric evaluations of numerous CPA exams to identify items/subtests that exhibited bias against subgroups of examinees (e.g., Drasgow, Chernyshenko, & Stark, Spring 2001), and have applied optimal appropriateness measurement methods to identify and remove unmotivated examinees (Stark, Chernyshenko, & Drasgow, 2001).  Currently, we are focusing on the issue of scoring simettes, small-scale computer simulations of activities performed by practicing accountants.  A typical simette involves a brief presentation of a problem or scenario, followed by a series of tasks an examinee must perform; each task provides an opportunity for measurement and scoring.  However, responses to simettes may not satisfy the IRT assumption of local independence, because each simette measures specific skills in addition to an overarching ability.  Thus, simulation studies are being conducted to compare various methods of dichotomous and polytomous IRT item parameter estimation and scoring (Stark, Chernyshenko, & Drasgow, in progress).

 

E.      Prediction of attrition among Army recruits.  The US Army is interested in using personality scores to prediction attrition among recruits.  Data from the Assessment of Individual Motivation (AIM) inventory are currently being examined by researchers using CTT and IRT-based approaches.  My role in this project involves the prediction of attrition using IRT optimal appropriateness measurement methods (see Levine & Drasgow, 1988).

 

F.      A comparison of Likert and Thurstonian approaches to the construction of scales measuring job satisfaction: Application of an ideal point item response theory model.  This research is being conducted in collaboration with Oleksandr Chernyshenko, Wayne Lee, and Fritz Drasgow at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Likert approaches to scale construction result in the elimination of items representing moderate standing on the attribute or trait being measured; typically, such items are eliminated because they have low item-total correlations.  In contrast, a Thurstonian approach to scale construction requires that items are distributed evenly across the trait continuum.  Therefore, this research will examine whether these approaches lead to the selection of different items in the final job satisfaction scales.  Second, we will examine whether ideal point item response theory (IRT) models, which have been shown to fit attitudinal data, provide better fit to scales constructed using the Thurstonian method.  The construct and predictive validities of these scales will be compared.

 

G.     Detection of DIF under different conditions of model-data fit.  This investigation will determine how critical the choice of an appropriate IRT model is to the accurate detection of DIF.  Previous research suggests that selecting a model that does not fit experimental data well can lead to incorrect conclusions regarding test bias, or in the context of personality measurement, the presence of faking among job applicants.  Parametric and nonparametric DIF detection procedures will be compared for logistic and ideal point models.  

 

Teaching

 

Fall 1999 – Spring 2000:          Industrial / Organizational Psychology (Instructor)

                                                (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

 

Spring 1997 - Spring 1998:      Introduction to Social Psychology (Teaching Assistant/Lecturer)

                                                (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

 

Fall 1996:                                 Industrial Social Psychology (Teaching Assistant)

                                                (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)


Spring 1991- Summer 1991:    Physics Laboratories for Science/Engineering & Pre-Medical/Dental Students

                                                (University of New Orleans)

 

Appointments and Other Employment

 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

 

Fall 2001 – Spring 2002:          University Dissertation Fellowship.  Continue research on development and scoring of a fake-resistant format for administering personality items.

 

                                                Explore IRT-based scoring of responses to computer simulation tasks, similar to those that will appear on the new computerized Certified Professional Accountants (CPA) licensing exam.

                                               

Summer 2001:                          Internship: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).  Conducted psychometric evaluation of past CPA exams and participated in research to facilitate the transition from paper and pencil to computer-based testing.

 

Fall 2000 – Summer 2001:       Research assistant for Fritz Drasgow, Department of Psychology.  Developed IRT-based, optimal appropriateness measurement approach to identify examinees that were unmotivated on some sections of the CPA licensing exam; compared psychometric properties of the 1998 exam before and after removing unmotivated examinees. 

 

Conducted differential item/test functioning study to identify CPA exam items and subtests that exhibited measurement bias against ethnic, gender, and educational groups.

 

                                                Consortium Research Fellows Program, Army Research Institute (ARI).  Conducted psychometric evaluation of Assessment of Individual Motivation inventory; used optimal appropriateness measurement methods to predict attrition among recruits; mentored by Fritz Drasgow, University of Illinois, Department of Psychology, and Mark Young, ARI. 

 

Fall 1999 – Spring 2000:          Instructor for Industrial Organizational Psychology.

                                               

Psychometric consultant for evaluation of CPA licensing examination; project co-headed by Fritz Drasgow, Department of Psychology.

 

Fall 1998 – Summer 1999:       Research assistant for Terry Ackerman, Department of Educational Psychology; developed computer simulations involving multidimensional item response theory; provided psychometric and statistical consulting for Medical College of Wisconsin. 

 

Fall 1998 – Spring 1999:          Research assistant for sexual experiences lab; developed computer programs, applied item response theory to measure sexual harassment; principal investigators: Fritz Drasgow, Charles Hulin, and Louise Fitzgerald, Department of Psychology.

 

Summer 1998 – Summer 1999: Psychometrics consultant for Personnel Decisions Research Institute; developed computer adaptive test of job performance and parameter estimation procedures for paired comparison ideal point IRT model; supervised by Fritz Drasgow, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Walter C. Borman, and Mary Ann Hanson, Personnel Decision Research Institutes, Inc., University of South Florida.

 

Summer 1997, 1998:                Research assistant for Lloyd G. Humphreys, Department of Psychology; conducted individual differences research on cognitive ability using Project Talent and National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data.

 

Spring 1997 – Spring 1998:      Teaching assistant/lecturer for Introduction to Social Psychology; supervised by Peter Carnevale and James Davis. 

 

Fall 1996:                                 Teaching assistant for Industrial Social Psychology; supervised by Harry C. Triandis.

 

                                                Research assistant for Lloyd G. Humphreys, Department of Psychology.

 

Louisiana State University

 

Summer 1994 – Fall 1995:       Student worker, assisted in alcohol research through Louisiana State University Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Earl K. Long Hospital, Baton Rouge, LA; principal investigator: Frederick Cerise, MD.

 

 

University of New Orleans

 

Spring 1992 – Fall 1992:          Instructor for physics laboratory courses for science/engineering and pre-medical students; supervised by Clyde Bergeron and J. Sullivan, Department of Physics.

 

 

Society Memberships

 

Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology                               Student Affiliate

National Council on Measurement in Education                         Student Affiliate

Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society                                     1991 – present

Alpha Theta Epsilon Honor Society                                                       1986 – 1987

University Honors Council (New Orleans)                                             1985 – 1987

National Dean’s List                                                                             1991

 

 

Awards and Honors

 

Graduate and Undergraduate

 

UIUC Dissertation Fellowship               50% Stipend                2001 – 2002

ARI Consortium Research Fellowship   25% Stipend                2000 – 2001

AICPA Psychometrics Internship                      $5000 Stipend              Summer 2001

[1]IPAT Student Research Competition   Cash Award                 2000

Incomplete List of Excellent Teachers    Psychology                   1997 – 1998

Physics Faculty Awards                                    Physics excellence        1990 – 1991

Max Herzberger Scholarship                             Physics excellence        1989 – 1990

Junior Division Award                                       Outstanding GPA         1987

Decennial Honors Scholarship               Tuition & Expenses       1985 – 1988

 

 

High School

 

Co-valedictorian                                                                                   1985

Torch Awards                                                  Top 5 GPA in cohort    1982 – 1985

 

 

Publications

 

2000

 

Humphreys, L.G., & Stark, S. (2000).  Implications for social policies and a genetic contribution to individual differences in intelligence (pp. 773 - 774).  In W.E. Craighead & C.B. Nemeroff  (Eds.).  The Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology and Behavioral Science (Third Ed., Vol. 2).  New York: John Wiley and Sons Inc. 

 

Humphreys, L.G., & Stark, S. (in press).  The general factor among cognitive tasks, its measurement, its correlates, and its cultural-genetic substrate.  In R. J. Sternberg & E. L. Grigorenko (Eds.).  The general factor of intelligence: Fact or fiction?  Mahwah, NJ:  Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

 

 

2001

 

Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O.S., Chan, K.Y., & Lee, W.C. (2001).  Effects of the Testing Situation on Item Responding: Cause for Concern.  Journal of Applied Psychology,  86,  943 - 953.

 

Borman, W.C., Buck, D., Hanson, M.A., Motowidlo, S.J., Stark, S., & Drasgow, F.  (2001).  An examination of the comparative reliability, validity, and accuracy of performance ratings made using computerized adaptive rating scales.  Journal of Applied Psychology,  86, 965 - 973.

 

Chernyshenko, O.S., Stark, Chan, K.Y., Drasgow, F., & Williams, B.A. (2001).  Examining the factor structure of the 16PF Fifth Edition: An application of the Schmid-Leiman orthogonalization procedure.  Educational and Psychological Measurement,  61,  290 - 302.

 

Chernyshenko, O.S., Stark, S., Chan, K.Y., Drasgow, F., & Williams, B.A. (2001).  Fitting Item Response Theory models to two personality inventories: Issues and insights. Multivariate Behavioral Research,  36,  523 - 562.

 

2002

            Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O.S., Lancaster, A.R., Drasgow, F., & Fitzgerald, L. F. (2002).  Toward standardized measurement of sexual harassment: Shortening the SEQ-DoD using item response theory.  Military Psychology,  49 – 72.

 

 

In Press

 

Stark, S., & Drasgow, F. (June 2002).  An EM approach to parameter estimation for the Zinnes and Griggs paired comparison IRT model.  Applied Psychological Measurement.

 

 

Manuscripts in Review

 

            Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Drasgow, F.  (in review).  Identifying and understanding the effects of unmotivated examinees on test dimensionality: Application of optimal appropriateness measurement.  Journal of Educational Measurement.

 

Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Drasgow, F.  (in review).  Investigating the appropriateness of ideal point response processes for personality data:  Implications for scale development and use.  Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

 

 

Manuscripts in Preparation

           

Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Drasgow, F.  Investigating the effects of local dependence on the accuracy of IRT ability estimation.  Applied Psychological Measurement.

 

Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Drasgow, F.  Examining the effects of differential item/test functioning (DIF/DTF) on selection decisions:  When are statistically significant effects practically important?  Journal of Applied Psychology.

 

Roberts, B., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Stark, S.  The construct of conscientiousness: The convergence between lexical models and scales drawn from six major personality questionnaires.  Personnel Psychology.

 

 

Technical Reports

 

1997

Chan, K., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Stark, S.  (Fall 1997).  Factor analysis of the fifth edition of the 16PF.  Champaign, IL: Institute of Personality and Ability Testing

 

1998

Chan, K., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Stark, S.  (Spring 1998).  Psychometric evaluation of the fifth edition of the 16PF: IRT analysis. Champaign, IL: Institute of Personality and Ability Testing.

 

1999

            Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Drasgow, F.  (1999).  Shortening the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire - Department of Defense (SEQ-DoD) using item response theory: Report on the measurement of sexual harassment. 

 

2000

            Drasgow, F., Chernyshenko, O.S., Stark, S., Munson, L., & Wang, J.  (Fall, 2000).  Classical test theory and item response theory analysis of the AICPA exam.  Jersey City, NJ:  American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

 

            Drasgow, F., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Stark, S.  (Spring, 2001).  Differential item functioning analysis of the AICPA exam.  Jersey City, NJ:  American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

 

2001

Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Drasgow, F.  (Spring, 2001).  Identification of unmotivated examinees on the CPA exam using optimal appropriateness measurement: Assessment of the CPA exam.  Jersey City, NJ:  American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

 

Drasgow, F., Lee, W. C., Stark, S., & Chernyshenko, O.S.  (Spring, 2001).  Alternative methodologies for predicting attrition in the Army: The new AIM scales.  (Report to HUMMRO).  Alexandria, VA.

 

 

Conference Presentations

 

1998

Stark, S. & Drasgow, F.  (1998).  Application of an item response theory ideal point model to computer adaptive assessment of job performance.  Paper presented at the 13th annual conference for the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists.  Dallas, TX.

 

1999

Stark, S., Chan, K.Y., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Lee, W.C.  (1999).  Faking on personality measures: Is it an attribute of the person or the situation?  Paper presented at the 14th annual conference for the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists.  Atlanta, GA.

 

Stark, S. Chernyshenko, O.S., & Drasgow, F.  (November, 1999).  Shortening the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire – Department of Defense (DoD) using item response theory: Report on the measurement of sexual harassment.  Conference proceedings of the 41st annual conference of the International Military Testing Association (IMTA) / Officer Selection Workshop.  Monterey, CA.

 

Chernyshenko, O.S., Chan, K.Y., Stark, S., Drasgow, F., & Williams, B.A.  (1999).  Examining the fit of item response theory models to personality data.  Paper presented at the 14th annual conference for the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists.  Atlanta, GA.

 

2000

Stark, S., & Drasgow, F. (April, 2000).  Development of parameter estimation procedures for the Zinnes and Griggs paired comparison ideal point IRT model.  Paper presented at the 2000 Annual Meeting of the National Council on Measurement in Education.  New Orleans, LA.

 

Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O.S., Lee, W.C.  & Drasgow, F.  (2000).  New insights in personality measurement: Application of an ideal point IRT model.   Paper presented at the 15th annual conference for the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists.  New Orleans, LA.

 

Chernyshenko, O.S., Miner, A., & Stark, S.  (2000).  Computational modeling of the effects of cue repetition on individual and group judgment

.  Paper presented at the 15th annual conference for the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists.  New Orleans, LA.

 

Fitzgerald, L.F., Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O.S., Palmieri, P.A., Harned, M., Collinsworth, L.L., & Drasgow, F.  (2000).  Who counts? A rational-empirical algorithm for determining the incidence of sexual harassment in organizations.  Paper presented at the 15th annual conference for the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists.  New Orleans, LA.

 

Miner, A., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Stark, S.  (2000).  A dynamic computational model of cue weighting during group discussion.  Paper presented at the 15th annual conference for the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists.  New Orleans, LA.

 

2001

 

Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Drasgow, F.  (2001).  Identifying unmotivated examinees using optimal appropriateness measurement: Assessment of the CPA exam.  Paper presented at the 2001 Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association.  Seattle, WA.

 

Stark, S., & Chernyshenko, O.S.  (2001).  Examining Model-data Fit Using Graphical and Statistical Methods.  Paper presented at the 16th annual conference for the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists.  San Diego, CA.

 

Stark, S., & Chernyshenko, O.S.  (2001).  Methods for Detecting Differential Item/Test Functioning.  Paper presented at the 16th annual conference for the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists.  San Diego, CA.

 

Chernyshenko, O.S., & Stark, S.  (2001).  Using IRT methods for test construction: Creating parallel forms.  Paper presented at the 16th annual conference for the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists.  San Diego, CA.

 

Lee, W.C., Stark, S., & Chernyshenko, O.S.  (2001).  Selecting IRT models for cognitive and noncognitive data.  Paper presented at the 16th annual conference for the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists.  San Diego, CA.

 

Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Drasgow, F.  (April, 2002).  Investigating the effects of local dependence on the accuracy of IRT ability estimation.  Paper presented at the 2002 Annual Meeting of the National Council on Measurement in Education.  New Orleans, LA.

 

Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O.S., & Drasgow, F.  (April, 2002).  Examining the effects of differential item/test functioning (DIF/DTF) on selection decisions:  When are statistically significant effects practically important?  Paper presented at the 17th annual conference for the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists.  Toronto, Canada.

 

 

 

References

 

Fritz Drasgow, Professor of I/O Psychology, Labor and Industrial Relations, Dissertation Chair

Department of Psychology

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

603 E. Daniel St.

Champaign, IL 61820

(217) 333-2739

fdrasgow@s.psych.uiuc.edu

 

Charles L. Hulin, Professor of I/O Psychology (Emeritus)

Department of Psychology

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

603 E. Daniel St.

Champaign, IL 61820

(217) 333-3798

chulin@s.psych.uiuc.edu

 

Terry Ackerman, Professor of Educational Research Methodology

School of Education

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

207 Curry Building

PO Box 26171

Greensboro, NC  27401-6171

(336) 334-3474

taackerm@uncg.edu

 

Lloyd G. Humphreys, Professor of Education and Psychology (Emeritus)

Department of Psychology

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

603 E. Daniel St.

Champaign, IL 61820

(217) 346-3571 (home)

lhumphre@s.psych.uiuc.edu

 

Walter C. Borman, Professor of I/O Psychology; President, Personnel Decisions Research Institutes, Inc.

Department of Psychology

University of South Florida

BEH 339

4202 Fowler Ave.

Tampa, FL 33620-8200

(813) 974-2492

WallyB@pdi-corp.com

 

or

 

Personnel Decision Research Institute – Tampa

100 South Ashley Drive, Suite 775

Tampa, FL  33602

(813) 229-6646

WallyB@pdri.com

 

Timothy Buckley, Ph.D. I/O Psychology, Former Advisor at Louisiana State University

US Employment Service

Office of Personnel Management

1900 E. Street, N.W.

Washington, DC  20415-9200

(202) 606-1935

(202) 606-1399 (fax)

txbuckle@opm.gov

 

 



[1] Second place cash award in International Personality and Ability Testing (IPAT) Student Research Competition.  Paper submitted by Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O. S., Chan, K.Y., & Lee, W.C.  (1999).  Faking on personality measures.  Is it an attribute of the person or the situation?  Paper was presented at the 14th annual conference for the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology.  Atlanta, GA.