Approximate Measurement Invariance of Large-Scale International Surveys: Factor Mean Estimation and Predictive Validity

• In Event: Psychometrics and Educational Measurement Poster Session 2

Abstract

Within large-scale international studies, the utility of survey scores to yield meaningful comparative data hinges on the degree to which their item parameters demonstrate measurement invariance across groups. To-date, methodological challenges have restricted the ability to test the measurement invariance of item parameters of these instruments across multiple countries. This study used Asparouhov and Muthén’s (2014) alignment method to investigate the measurement invariance of the schoolwork-related anxiety survey across gender groups within the 35 OECD participating countries (gender x country) of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015 study. Subsequently, the predictive validity of alignment-based factor scores for subsequent mathematics achievement was examined, and compared to average observed scores not adjusted for noninvariance.

Author

• Jason C. Immekus, University of Louisville