Using Topic Models to Understand Rater-Mediated Writing Assessments

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Using Topic Models to Understand Rater-Mediated Writing Assessments
Language: English
Authors: Jordan M. Wheeler (ORCID 0000-0001-9766-5014), Kevin R. Raczynski, Allan S. Cohen (ORCID 0000-0002-8776-9378), George Engelhard (ORCID 0000-0002-1694-8942)
Source: Journal of Experimental Education. 2024 92(1):186-205.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Education
Elementary Education
Grade 6
Intermediate Grades
Grade 8
Descriptors: Middle School Students, Grade 6, Grade 8, Mathematical Models, Word Processing, Cognitive Mapping, Writing Strategies, Performance Technology
DOI: 10.1080/00220973.2022.2130129
ISSN: 0022-0973
1940-0683
Abstract: Integrated writing assessments are tasks that require students to construct an essay using evidence from source texts. Topic models are statistical models used to analyze text. This study analyzes two integrated writing tasks from students in grades 6 (N=1,250) and 8 (N=1,250) using topic models. Independent evaluations of the essays were also conducted to help generalize the results across the two grades and better understand students' underlying writing techniques. Four main categories were identified: (1) use of words that appeared in the prompt, (2) words that appeared in the source texts, (3) words that reflected inference, and (4) words that reflected integration. Higher-scoring students used words that reflect inference and integration of source text more often than lower-performing students.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1404995
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Integrated writing assessments are tasks that require students to construct an essay using evidence from source texts. Topic models are statistical models used to analyze text. This study analyzes two integrated writing tasks from students in grades 6 (N=1,250) and 8 (N=1,250) using topic models. Independent evaluations of the essays were also conducted to help generalize the results across the two grades and better understand students' underlying writing techniques. Four main categories were identified: (1) use of words that appeared in the prompt, (2) words that appeared in the source texts, (3) words that reflected inference, and (4) words that reflected integration. Higher-scoring students used words that reflect inference and integration of source text more often than lower-performing students.
ISSN:0022-0973
1940-0683
DOI:10.1080/00220973.2022.2130129