Assessing learning processes with the gain-loss model.

Within the framework of knowledge space theory, a probabilistic skill multimap model for assessing learning processes is proposed. The learning process of a student is modeled as a function of the interaction between his competence state and the effect of a learning object on specific skills. Model parameters are initial probabilities of the skills, effects of learning objects on gaining and losing the skills, careless error, and lucky guess probabilities of the problems. A simulation study assessed model identifiability and goodness-of-recovery under several conditions. Practical implications of using the model are discussed, and the MATLAB code for simulating, estimating and testing it is available in the Psychonomic Society supplemental archive.