Christine DeMars is a Professor of Graduate Psychology and Senior Assessment Specialist at James Madison University (JMU), affiliated with the Center for Assessment & Research Services (CARS). She holds a PhD in Measurement and Quantitative Methods from Michigan State University (1998), an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University (1993), and a B.A. in Psychology from Wichita State University (1990). Her research focuses on psychometric methods, including item response theory (IRT), differential item functioning (DIF), equating, and large-scale testing challenges. She teaches courses in IRT and classical test theory and supervises PhD students. As CARS liaison to Cluster 4 (Stewardship and Sustainability) and Communications Studies (SCOM), she advises on assessment design and implementation. Recent work addresses low-stakes testing validity, remote assessment integrity, and pandemic-related testing adaptations. Her publications emphasize methodological rigor and practical applications in educational measurement. Her scholarly contributions include over 50 peer-reviewed articles on topics like response validity, IRT parameter recovery, and DIF detection. Her work bridges theoretical advancements and real-world testing challenges, particularly in addressing examinee motivation, external event impacts, and model misfit implications. She collaborates with institutions to enhance assessment practices through evidence-based strategies. Ms. DeMars is actively involved in professional development, offering workshops on assessment design and psychometric analysis. Her efforts in CARS support institutional learning outcomes and program evaluation initiatives, reflecting her commitment to advancing educational measurement practices.
