Implementation aspects in simulation extrapolation-based Stocking-Lord linking

Stocking–Lord (SL) linking is commonly used for group comparisons based on dichotomous item responses. Recently, the simulation extrapolation (SIMEX) method for SL linking has been introduced within the two-parameter logistic (2PL) model to reduce the bias due to the presence of random differential item functioning (DIF). However, the original SIMEX approach can be computationally complex. This article evaluates two computational shortcuts to SIMEX-based SL linking through a simulation study: a quasi-Monte Carlo method that replicates items and a proposal using an approximate noniterative estimation instead of the iterative one in the SIMEX application of SL linking. The results demonstrate that these shortcuts yield linking parameter estimates with comparable statistical properties.