Modeling response times with latent variables: Principles and applications

The introduction of the computer in psychological and educational testing has enabled us to record response times on test items in real time, without any interruption of the response process. This article reviews key principles for probabilistic modeling of these response times and discusses a hierarchical model that follows from the principles. It then shows the potential of the model for improving the current practices of item calibration, adaptive testing, controlling test speededness, and detection of cheating.