Assessing Differential Item Functioning for Scales of Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire Between Hispanics and Caucasians

• In Event: Psychometrics and Educational Measurement Poster Session 1

Abstract

This study examined if item-level non-invariance of peer problems scale and prosocial behavior scale of Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ) was presented between Hispanic parents and Caucasian parents. Item Response Theory was used to assess the differential item functioning (DIF) for the 3-Likert response format of SDQ. Data was pulled from the Social Capital and Children’s Development Study, with 1540 parents of first graders selected. Item ‘solitary, prefer to play alone’ of peer problem scale demonstrated uniform-DIF. No item demonstrated DIF of prosocial behavior scale, but results should be interpreted cautiously for missing response category was presented.

Authors

• Shan Jiang, Baylor University

• Lu Guo, Sam Houston State University

• Marie Kirkpatrick, Baylor University