The fourfifths rule is attractive because it is easy to calculate, but it is prone to sampling. Differential item functioning dif analysis refers to procedures that assess whether items are differentially difficult for different groups of examinees. This paper addresses the nature of dif, methods that can be used to assess the presence of dif, and how to evaluate dif once it has been detected. Measurement invariance and differential item functioning. A general framework and an r package for the detection of. Dif occurs when examinees from different groups show differing probabilities of success on or endorsing the item after matching on the construct that the item is intended to measure notice that this is exactly the definition of mi applied to test items. Partnered with differential to dive into a disruptive new business model and unlock growth opportunities through a cuttingedge dataanalytics solution.
However, it destroys invariance of the items parameter value among the groups. Differential item functioning and health assessment jstor. Prior to application of the dfit software, estimates of the latent state or trait. Item response theory irt is a powerful tool for the detection of differential item functioning dif. Differential item functioning dif is when a test item favors or hinders a characteristic exhibited by group members of a testtaking population. Explaining differential item functioning focusing on the crucial role of. Differential item functioning dif is an important issue of interest in psychometrics and educational measurement. We help companies build great digital products like a startup. Dif analyses are statistical procedures used to determine to what extent the content of an item affects the item endorsement of subgroups of testtakers. Naep analysis and scaling differential item functioning. Pdf an introduction to differential item functioning researchgate. Software for analyzing differential item functioning.
Differential item functioning dif analysis, commonly used to study the performance of. It is shown that the class of irt models with manifest predictors. Rule insurance company filed a suit against the educational testing. Item response theory detects differential item functioning. Software for analyzing differential item functioning using the.
If the factor bringing about such a difference is not part of the construct of focus in the test, then the test would be biased. In brief, differential item functioning dif occurs when groups such as defined by gender, ethnicity, age, or education have different probabilities of endorsing a given item on a multiitem scale after controlling for overall scale scores. An irt model is ideally suited for the detection of differential item functioning dif in examining the validity of a test or questionnaire. If dif is found for many items on the test, the final test scores do not represent the same. Item analysis differential item functioning dif questionmark. Nor is it merely an assessment issue questionnaires evaluating the postgraduate working experience find ethnically nonwhite trainees. Differential item functioning depending on general covariates. Analysis of differential item functioning in the depression item bank. We partner with you from idea to great digital product. Measuring differential item and test functioning across. Several methods have been proposed in recent decades for identifying items that function differently between two or more groups of examinees. Pdf differential item functioning dif has been increasingly applied.
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