Testing the generalized validity of the Emotion Knowledge test scores.

Area of Science:

• Psychometrics
• Psychology

Background:

• Differential item functioning (DIF) is crucial for validating test scores across demographic groups.
• Ensuring test fairness across age, gender, and cultural backgrounds is essential for accurate measurement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the generalized validity of the Emotion Knowledge (EK) test scores in a heterogeneous Argentinian sample.
• To investigate potential differential item functioning (DIF) across gender, age, educational level, and country.

Main Methods:

• Rasch Model (RM) analysis was employed to assess test fit and reliability.
• DIF was analyzed for gender, age, educational level, and country in a combined sample of 400 participants.

Main Results:

• The EK test demonstrated adequate fit to the Rasch Model and high reliability (ISR = .97, PSR = .80).
• Minor statistically significant DIF was detected for educational level and country, which became non-significant after removing seven affected items.
• Small, non-significant differences in EK scores were observed after accounting for DIF.

Conclusions:

• There is sufficient evidence supporting the generalized validity of the EK test scores in Argentina.
• The EK test is suitable for use in academic and applied settings to assess individual differences in emotional competence.