Using the Mantel-Haenszel Method for Differential Item Functioning Assessment in Continuous Items

• In Event: 72.021 - Topics in Differential Item Functioning

Abstract

Since DIF assessment is critical for test validity and fairness, quite a few DIF assessment methods have been proposed for discrete items. However, the method of DIF detection for continuous items has not yet been established. This study proposes the method for DIF assessment in continuous responses based on the MH method which has been popularly applied in practice use. According to the simulation study, the continuous MH method (MHC) with dynamic blocking can detect DIF items effectively in almost all conditions. Moreover, the MHC method can be easily implemented with simple calculations. For practical test practitioners and test administrators, this study provides a convenience way for DIF assessment to increase the quality of tests with continuous items.

Authors

• Hsiu-Yi Chao, National Chung Cheng University

• Jyun-Hong Chen, National Sun Yat-sen University

• Ching-Lin Shih, National Sun Yat-sen Universit