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A new approach for differential item functioning detection using Mantel-Haenszel methods. The GMHDIF program
1Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de Oviedo, Plaza de Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Spain. fidalgo@uniovi.es
The Spanish Journal of Psychology
|November 9, 2011
Summary
This study introduces new software for differential item functioning (DIF) analysis using the generalized Mantel-Haenszel statistic. It enables multi-group DIF assessment for various item types, overcoming limitations of existing methods.
Area of Science:
- Psychometrics
- Statistical Software Development
- Educational Measurement
Background:
- Existing statistical software for differential item functioning (DIF) primarily uses Mantel-Haenszel procedures.
- Current methods are limited to analyzing dichotomous and polytomous items within two groups only.
- There is a need for methods that can assess DIF across multiple groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel approach and associated software for differential item functioning (DIF) assessment.
- To extend DIF analysis capabilities to accommodate multiple groups.
- To provide a free, accessible tool for psychometric and educational researchers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the generalized Mantel-Haenszel statistic proposed by Landis, Heyman, and Koch (1978).
- Developed statistical software to implement this multi-group DIF analysis.
- The software handles both dichotomous and polytomous item types.
Main Results:
- The new approach successfully enables differential item functioning (DIF) assessment in multiple groups.
- The developed software effectively applies the generalized Mantel-Haenszel statistic for this purpose.
- The software supports analysis for both dichotomous and polytomous items.
Conclusions:
- The new software offers a significant advancement for differential item functioning (DIF) analysis by allowing multi-group comparisons.
- This tool overcomes the limitations of previous Mantel-Haenszel based software.
- The software is freely available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
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