Quantitative psychology: The 88th Annual Meeting of the Psychometric Society By MarieWiberg, Jee‐SeonKim, HeungsunHwang, HaoWu, TracySweet (eds.), Springer proceedings in Mathematics & Statistics, 2024, 452nd volume; ISBN: 978‐3‐031‐55547‐3 (Prin

The 88th Annual Meeting of the Psychometric Society, held in College Park, Maryland, USA, in July 2023, convened a diverse array of scholars, researchers and practitioners from around the world to share cutting-edge advances in psychometric theory and applications. The resulting proceedings, edited by Marie Wiberg, Jee-Seon Kim, Heungsun Hwang, Hao Wu and Tracy Sweet, provide an in-depth exploration of the latest developments in quantitative psychology. Spanning 35 chapters, the volume presents research on topics ranging from foundational statistical methods to innovative applications in educational testing, psychological measurement and machine learning. The work represents a significant milestone for the field, combining methodological rigour with real-world applicability. The proceedings begin with a summary of the meeting itself, which featured 389 participants, 271 oral presentations, 58 posters and 8 symposia. The conference included a variety of activities such as keynote presentations, career and dissertation awards and pre-conference workshops that underscored the importance of psychometric advancements in addressing modern data challenges. The volume reflects this diversity, with contributions that are both theoretically rich and practically grounded, offering readers a comprehensive view of the current state of psychometrics. The volume highlights several key themes that reflect current trends and emerging challenges in psychometric research. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to advancements in item response theory (IRT), a cornerstone of modern psychometric analysis. For example, the chapter ‘Gumbel-Reverse Gumbel (GRG) Model: A New Asymmetric IRT Model for Binary Data’ by Jay Verkuilen (City University of New York) and Peter J. Johnson (City University of New York) introduces a novel approach to modelling asymmetries in item characteristics, providing a more nuanced understanding of response patterns. Other chapters explore alternative estimation methods, such as using Fisher information to improve item difficulty and discrimination indices, which offer practical solutions for optimizing test design. Another major theme is the integration of Bayesian methodologies into psychometric research. Several chapters delve into the application of Bayesian approaches for parameter estimation, model selection and hypothesis testing. In ‘Priors in Bayesian Estimation Under the Graded Response Model’, Seock-Ho Kim (University of Georgia) provides an in-depth exploration of how prior distributions affect the estimation of item and ability parameters. The discussion extends to practical issues such as model convergence and the interpretability of Bayesian results. Similarly, Bayesian variable selection methods are explored in the context of cognitive diagnostic models, where they are used to uncover hierarchical relationships between variables and interactions. These contributions underscore the flexibility and power of Bayesian methods in addressing complex problems in psychometrics. The proceedings also address the growing importance of cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs) in educational assessment. These models, which aim to classify examinees based on specific skill profiles, have become increasingly popular in recent years. The chapter ‘Identifiability Conditions in Cognitive Diagnosis: Implications for Q-Matrix Estimation Algorithms’ by Hyunjoo Kim (University of Georgia), Hans Friedrich Köhn (University of Konstanz) and Chia-Yi Chiu (Educational Testing Service) examines the theoretical and practical challenges associated with ensuring model identifiability. Using simulated and empirical data, the authors compare algorithms that impose identifiability constraints with those that do not, offering valuable insights into the trade-offs involved. The results have direct implications for the design and implementation of diagnostic assessments in educational settings. Machine learning and data science techniques also feature prominently in this volume, reflecting their growing role in psychometric research. Chapters such as ‘Enhancing Multilevel Models Through Supervised Machine Learning’ by Pascal Kilian and Augustin Kelava (University of Tübingen) illustrate how predictive algorithms can complement traditional statistical approaches, leading to more robust and interpretable results. Another chapter applies topic modelling techniques to meta-analysis studies, showcasing how natural language processing can extract meaningful insights from large textual datasets. These contributions highlight the potential for machine learning to transform psychometric practices, making them more scalable and adaptable to modern data challenges. The proceedings also delve into fundamental issues of validity and reliability in measurement. For instance, the chapter ‘Exploring Attenuation of Reliability in Categorical Subscore Reporting’ by Richard A. Feinberg (University of Maryland) examines how measurement error affects the precision and interpretability of subscores, a topic of significant interest for practitioners designing high-stakes assessments. Other contributions address methods for detecting differential item functioning (DIF) and ensuring the fairness of tests across diverse populations. These discussions underscore the ongoing importance of rigorous validation practices in maintaining the integrity of psychometric instruments. One of the strengths of this volume is its interdisciplinary approach. By integrating insights from statistics, psychology, education and computer science, the proceedings offer a holistic view of the field. The inclusion of practical applications, such as using Bayesian networks for diagnostic tests and validating assessment tools, ensures that the research is relevant to practitioners as well as theoreticians. This balance between theory and application is further enhanced by the editors' emphasis on emerging topics such as the use of digital tools for data collection and analysis, which are becoming increasingly important in a post-pandemic world. Despite its many strengths, the volume does present challenges for readers who may not have a strong background in advanced statistics or psychometrics. The technical nature of some chapters may be daunting for those unfamiliar with the field's terminology and methods. However, the editors mitigate this by including chapters that provide practical examples and clear explanations, making the text accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, the inclusion of cutting-edge topics ensures that the volume will remain a valuable resource for years to come, even as the field continues to evolve. The proceedings serve as a vital resource for researchers, educators and policymakers seeking to stay abreast of the latest developments in psychometrics. By addressing contemporary issues such as machine learning, Bayesian methods and advanced IRT models, the volume provides a roadmap for future research and practice. Its emphasis on real-world applications, from improving educational assessments to advancing psychological measurement, underscores the practical relevance of psychometric research in addressing societal challenges. In conclusion, Quantitative Psychology: The 88th Annual Meeting of the Psychometric Society is a landmark publication that encapsulates the vibrancy and dynamism of modern psychometrics. The volume combines methodological innovation with practical applicability, offering a wealth of insights for both researchers and practitioners. By bridging traditional approaches with emerging methodologies, the proceedings not only advance the field but also ensure its continued relevance in an increasingly data-driven world. Mardatunnisa Isnaini: Conceptualization; writing – original draft; validation; writing – review and editing; supervision; resources. Muhammad Rizal: Resources; validation; writing – review and editing; writing – original draft; conceptualization; formal analysis. Ni Kadek Juliarini: Formal analysis; resources; project administration; writing – review and editing; validation; writing – original draft; conceptualization. Zulhijrah: Conceptualization; writing – original draft; writing – review and editing; project administration; validation; resources; formal analysis. Ni Luh De Siska Sari Dewi: Conceptualization; writing – original draft; writing – review and editing; validation; project administration; resources; formal analysis. The authors would like to express gratitude to Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) for supporting the publication of this review. Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP).