Evaluating Internal Structure Validity Evidence for the TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) 2011 Mathematics Test

• In Event: 14.046 - Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: 14.046-8 - Big Data in Globalized Environments

Abstract

Using the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2011 student response data, we evaluated validity evidence based on the internal structure of the 4th-grade math test across six countries (Australia, Chile, Italy, Japan, Tunisia, and United States) using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis and the item response theory likelihood ratio test. Preliminary findings suggest that some items on the 4th-grade math test may function differentially across countries, which raises concerns about using these test scores to compare countries and make inferences about the differences in their students’ achievement.

Authors

• Fen Fan, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Craig S. Wells, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Stephen G. Sireci, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Jennifer Randall, University of Massachusetts