PDS Lab

Professor Chen, Jinsong

    Lab Director
    Associate Professor
    Academic Unit of Human Communication, Learning, and Development
    BSc (SCUT), MA (GWU), EdD (GWU), Postdoc (Rutgers)

    Image

    Contact

    jinsong[AT]hku.hk
    (852) 3917 0389
    Room 645, Meng Wah Complex

    Areas of Expertise

    Research Interests

    My research interests center around two main areas. The first area focuses on latent variable modeling and structural equation modeling. I am currently developing a partially confirmatory approach to both frameworks with multiple research directions and potential applications. The estimation algorithm presents a significant challenge that I aim to overcome.

    The second area is the integration of psychometrics with NLP. I am exploring different approaches to combine large language models with psychometrics, which can be applied in various educational and psychological domains. One potential application I am investigating is to improve STEM learning with NLP-generated educational contents such as knowledge, solutions, and examples.

    Teaching Area

    Quantitative methods, psychometrics, and statistics

    Projects

    • Title: Advancing educational and psychological measurement with Bayesian learning: Methodological developments and practical implementations
      Source: RGC General Research Fund (GRF)
      Amount: HK$333,000
      Period: July 2022 – July 2024

    • Title: A Partially Confirmatory Approach to Factor Analysis with Bayesian Learning
      Source: Start-up Grant, University of Hong Kong
      Amount: HK$335,000
      Period: August 2020 – August 2023

    • Title: Integrating Psychometric Modeling with Bayesian Learning Source: Philosophy and Social Sciences Later-Stage Program, Guangdong Province Amount: RMB40,000 Period: December 2019 – December 2021

    • Title: Exploring the Penalization of Latent Variable Modeling with Bayesian LASSO
      Source: Key Project, National Higher Education Quality Monitoring Data Center (Guangzhou)
      Amount: RMB100,000
      Period: January 2019 – December 2020

    • Title: Combing Educational Taxonomy with Validity Theory for Higher Education Evaluation
      Source: Project for Teaching Innovation of Higher Education, Guangdong Province
      Amount: RMB20,000
      Period: January 2019 – December 2020

    • Title: Framework Research on the Quality Standards for College Student Cultivation
      Source: Key Project, National Higher Education Quality Monitoring Data Center (Guangzhou)
      Amount: RMB200,000
      Period: December 2015–December 2019

    • Title: Research on the Quality of Teaching and Course Evaluation
      Source: Long-term Project, National Higher Education Quality Monitoring Data Center (Guangzhou)
      Amount: RMB250,000
      Period: December 2015 – December 2019

    • Title: Experimental Project on Assessment of Child and Youth Behaviors
      Source: Scientific Research Project Sponsored by Haoyuan Education Enterprise
      Amount: RMB50,000
      Period: October 2015 – December 2016

    • Title: Assessment of Children’s Developmental Ecology
      Source: Scientific Research Project Sponsored by Kdnet Enterprise
      Amount: RMB90,000
      Period: June 2015 – December 2016

    • Title: Investigating a Framework for Course Evaluation Based on Student Evaluation of Teaching
      Source: Key Project, Undergraduate Teaching Reform Program, Sun Yat-Sen University
      Amount: RMB20,000
      Period: January 2015 – January 2017

    • Title: Development of Computerized Adaptive Testing for Cognitive Diagnosis and Tracking and Its Applications for Basic Education
      Source: Humanities and Social Sciences Common Program, Ministry of Education
      Amount: RMB100,000
      Period: October 2014 – October 2017

    • Title: Research on Integration of Cognitive Diagnosis Assessment and Evaluation
      Source: Social Sciences Common Program, Guangdong Province
      Amount: RMB20,000
      Period: January 2014 – January 2016

    • Title: Applications of Cognitive Diagnosis Assessments for Basic Mathematics
      Source: Start-up Grant, Sun Yat-Sen University
      Amount: RMB150,000
      Period: February 2013 – February 2015

    Publications

    (*corresponding author)

    • Chen, J. (2022). Fully and partially exploratory factor analysis with bi-level Bayesian regularization. Behavior Research Methods. DOI: 10.3758/s13428-022-01884-7.

    • Ma W., Chen J. & Jiang Z. (2022). Attribute continuity in cognitive diagnosis models: impact on parameter estimation and its detection, Behaviormetrika. DOI: 10.1007/s41237-022-00174-y.

    • Chen, J. (2022). Partially confirmatory approach to factor analysis with Bayesian learning: A LAWBL tutorial. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal. 29, 800-816. DOI: 10.1080/10705511.2022.2039660.

    • Chen, J. (2021). A generalized partially confirmatory factor analysis framework with mixed Bayesian Lasso methods. Multivariate Behavioral Research. DOI: 10.1080/00273171.2021.1925520.

    • Chen, J. (2021). A Bayesian regularized approach to exploratory factor analysis in one step. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 28(4), 518-528. DOI: 10.1080/10705511.2020.1854763.

    • Chen, J. (2020). A partially confirmatory approach to the multidimensional item response theory with the Bayesian Lasso. Psychometrika. 85(3), 738-774. DOI: 10.1007/s11336-020-09724-3.

    • *Chen, J., Guo, Z., Zhang, L., & Pan, J. (2021). A partially confirmatory approach to scale development with the Bayesian Lasso. Psychological Methods, 26(2), 210–235. DOI: 10.1037/met0000293.

    • *Chen, J., Li, L., & Zhang, D. (2020). Students with specific difficulties in Geometry: Exploring the TIMSS 2011 data with plausible values and latent profile analysis. Learning Disability Quarterly. 44(1), 11-22. DOI: 10.1177/0731948720905099.

    • Choi, J., Chen, J., & Harring, J. (2020). Logistic growth modeling with Markov chain Monte Carlo estimation. Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods, 18(1), eP2997. DOI: 10.22237/jmasm/1556669820.

    • Guo, Z., & *Chen, J. (2019). Teaching evaluation under the view of modern validity: Reflection and suggestions [Chinese]. Higher Education Exploration. 3, 11-15.

    • *Chen, J., & de la Torre, J. (2018). Introducing the general polytomous diagnosis modeling framework. Front. Psychol. 9:1474. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01474

    • Chen, J. (2018) A hierarchical taxonomy of test validity for more flexibility of validation. Front. Psychol. 9:972. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00972

    • Lin, Y., Chen, H., & *Chen, J. (2018). Exploring cognitive diagnosis retrofitting and further analyses of language proficiency testing: The case of the Guangzhou English achievement examination. Journal of Psychological Science [Chinese]. 41(3), 1-7.

    • Zhang, G., Zhou, X., Chen, J., Gong, Y., Sun, S., Yu, X. (2018). The Viral Impact of Emotion on Social Transmission under Control Context. Biomed J Sci & Tech Res. 7(3). DOI: 10.26717/ BJSTR.2018.07.001499.

    • Chen, H., & Chen, J. (2017). Cognitive diagnostic research on Chinese students’ English listening skills and implications on skill training. English language Teaching. 12(10), 107-115.

    • *Chen, J., & Zhou H. (2017). Test designs and modeling under the general nominal diagnosis model framework. PLOS One, 12(6): e0180016. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180016

    • Chen, J. (2017). A residual-based approach to validate Q-matrix specifications. Applied Psychological Measurement, 41(4), 277–293. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146621616686021

    • Chen, J. (2017). Advancing the Bayesian approach for multidimensional polytomous and nominal IRT models: Model formulations and fit measures. Applied Psychological Measurement, 41, 3-16. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146621616669096

    • Chen, J. (2017). Introducing a flexible approach to test validity based on context-specific construct. Theory and Psychology, 27(5), 711-718. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959354317722866

    • Zhang, D., Ding, Y., Lee, S., & *Chen, J. (2017). Strategic development of multiplication problem solving: Patterns of students’ strategy choices. The Journal of Educational Research, 110, 159-170. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2015.1060928

    • Chen, H., & *Chen, J. (2016). Retrofitting non-cognitive-diagnostic reading assessment under the generalized DINA model framework. Language Assessment Quarterly, 13, 218-230. https://doi.org/10.1080/15434303.2016.1210610

    • Chen, H., & *Chen, J. (2016). Exploring reading comprehension skill relationships through the G-DINA model. Educational Psychology: An International Journal of Experimental Educational Psychology, 36, 1049-1064. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2015.1076764

    • *Chen, J., Zhang, D., & Choi, J. (2015). Estimation of the latent mediated effect with ordinal data using the limited-information and Bayesian full-information approaches. Behavior Research Methods, 47, 1260-1273. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13428-014-0526-3

    • *Chen, J., & de la Torre, J. (2014). A procedure for diagnostically modeling extant large-scale assessment data: The case of the Programme for International Student Assessment in Reading. Psychology, 5, 1967-1978. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2014.518200

    • *Chen, J., Choi, J., Weiss, B. A., & Stapleton, L. (2014). An empirical evaluation of mediation effect analysis with manifest and latent variables using Morkov chain Monte Carlo and alternative estimation methods. Structural Equation Modeling, 21, 253-262. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705511.2014.882688

    • *Chen, J., & de la Torre, J. (2013). A general cognitive diagnosis model for expert-defined polytomous attributes. Applied Psychological Measurement, 37, 419-437. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146621613479818

    • *Chen, J., de la Torre, J., & Zhang, Z. (2013). Relative and absolute fit evaluation in cognitive diagnosis modeling. Journal of Educational Measurement, 50, 123-140. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-3984.2012.00185.x

    • Chen, H., & Chen, J. (2013). Validating G-DINA model in language test diagnosis. Journal of Psychological Science [Chinese], 36, 1470-1475.

    • Choi, J., Kim, S., Chen, J., & Dannels, A. S. (2011). A comparison of maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation for polychoric correlation using Monte Carlo simulation. Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, 36(4), 523-549. https://doi.org/10.3102/1076998610381398

    • Choi, J., Dunlop, M., Chen, J., & Kim, S. (2011). A comparison of different approaches for coefficient alpha for ordinal data. Journal of Educational Evaluation, 24(2), 485-506.

    • Kroopnick, H. M., Chen, J., Choi, J. M., & Dayton, C. M. (2010). Assessing classification bias in latent class analysis: Comparing resubstitution and leave-one-out methods. Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods, 9(1), 52-63.

    • *Chen, J., & Choi, J., (2009). A comparison of maximum likelihood and expected a posteriori estimation for polychoric correlation using Monte Carlo simulation. Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods, 8(1), 337-354.

    • Zhou, X.-Y., Lei, Q., Marley, S. C., & Chen, J. (2009). The existential function of babies: Babies as a buffer of death-related anxiety. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 12(1), 40–46. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-839X.2008.01268.x

    Professional Community Services

    Computer programs distributed

    • EAPPCC: A Matlab program for estimating polychoric correlation matrices
    • GCDM: An Ox program for the general cognitive diagnosis modeling framework with dichotomous and polytomous attributes and dichotomous responses
    • GRDM: An Ox program for the graded response diagnosis modeling framework
    • GNDM: An Ox program for the general nominal diagnosis modeling framework
    • LAWBL: Latent (variable) analysis with Bayesian learning (R package version 1.3.0). Retrieved from https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=LAWBL

    Keynotes or invited talks

    • 时间: 2015.12; 内容: 全球華人教育資訊與評估學術研討會暨中國測驗學會年會；主办单位：台中教育大学；地点：台湾；身份：报告嘉宾
    • Time: 2015.12; Content: Public Lecture & Academic Workshop on Cognitive Diagnosis Modeling; Hosted by: The Hong Kong Institute of Education; Venue: Hong Kong; Role: Speaker
    • Time: 2017.03; Content: Triangle Framework for Educational and Psychological Testing and Measurement; Hosted by: The University of Hong Kong; Venue: Hong Kong; Role: Speaker
    • 时间: 2018.01; 内容: 第二届全国心理学专业《心理统计学》《心理测量学》任课教师培训班；主办单位：中国心理学会；地点：广州；身份：课程报告人
    • Time: 2018.05; Content: Improving diagnostic assessments with Bayesian regularized item response models; Hosted by: Shanghai International Studies University; Venue: Shanghai; Role: Speaker
    • 时间: 2018.06; 内容:智慧评价与学习学术研讨会；主办单位：江西师范大学；地点：南昌；身份：报告嘉宾
    • Time: 2018.12; Content: Partially Confirmatory Approach to Scale Development with Bayesian Lasso; Hosted by: the Education University of Hong Kong; Venue: Hong Kong; Role: Speaker
    • 时间: 2019.1 内容: 第五届中国教育财政学术研讨会暨2019年中国教育发展战略学会教育财政专业委员会年会; 主办单位：北京大学；地点：北京；身份：特邀嘉宾

    Service to the faculty/university/community

    • Quantitative Research Methods consultant, 2021-present
    • Service to the Confirmation or Thesis Examining Committees, 2020-present
    • Service to the Information Management programs, 2020-present

    Knowledge Exchange Activities

    • 2021-12-01 to 2022-03-01: Open Courseware: Structural Equation Modeling I - A First Course, KE Website and Mobile Device
    • 2021-08-27 to 2021-08-27: A Partially Confirmatory Approach to Latent Variable Modeling with Bayesian Learning, Public Event (Delivering a Talk, Workshop, Exhibition, Performance, etc.)
    • 2021-06-16 to 2021-06-16: A Partially Confirmatory Approach to Factor Analysis with Bayesian Learning, Public Event (Delivering a Talk, Workshop, Exhibition, Performance, etc.)
    • 2021-06-01 to 2021-09-01: Open Courseware: Statistical and Psychometric Analyses Using R, KE Website and Mobile Device
    • 2020-09-01 to 2021-12-01: Open Courseware: Factor Analysis, KE Website and Mobile Device
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