Testing Measurement Invariance of Noncognitive Scales in TIMSS 2019

• In Event: Psychometrics and Educational Measurement Poster Session 2

Abstract

Testing for the comparability of non-cognitive scales in cross-cultural research has not been recognized as a routine. Without demonstrating that latent constructs are measured in the same way across populations, the validity of group comparisons can be doubted. Some approaches for the test have been recently developed, particularly for large scale surveys involving many groups, but are unfamiliar to applied researchers. This study introduces the novel “alignment” method by describing and demonstrating how it works in applied research using scales created from the TIMSS 2019 Teacher Questionnaire. The study intends to help increase researchers’ awareness of testing for measurement invariance of non-cognitive scales across groups and to offer a solution for the test in comparative education research.

Authors

• Jingxian Li, University of Southern California

• Matthias Von Davier, Boston College

• Bethany Fishbein, TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center, Boston College