Extend the dynamical non-compensatory MIRT model to exploratory Q-matrix analysis

Extend the dynamical non-compensatory multidimensional item response theory model from confirmatory analysis with a given Q-matrix to exploratory analysis in which the Q-matrix is inferred from data.

Background

The proposed dynamical non-compensatory MIRT model assumes that the question–skill association structure, represented by the Q-matrix, is known in advance and is therefore intended for confirmatory analysis. The discussion contrasts this setup with SPARFA-Trace, which can infer the Q-matrix and thereby support exploratory analysis. Extending the proposed model to infer the Q-matrix would remove this restriction and broaden its applicability to settings in which skill assignments are unavailable or uncertain.

References

Its extension to exploratory analysis remains as future work.

— Dynamical Non-compensatory Multidimensional IRT Model Using Variational Approximation  (2609.10028 - Tamano et al., 9 Sep 2026) in Discussion, paragraph beginning “To understand our model better”