An item response model with hierarchical latent traits

Many latent traits in the human sciences have a hierarchical structure. This study aimed to develop an item response model to account for such a hierarchical structure in latent traits. Through a series of simulations, we demonstrated the parameters in the new model can be well recovered with the computer software WinBUGS; the deviance information criterion is effective for model comparison, and the posterior predictive model checking is helpful for the assessment of model-data fit.