College Students' Responses to Sexuality-Based Items: A Differential Test Function Analysis

• In Event: Learnings About Queer and Trans Issues Across Educational Setting

Abstract

Surveys intend to collect data across a swath of individuals yet sometimes the items favor certain respondents over others. Differential test functioning (DTF) analysis helps us understand if underlying latent characteristics may affect the way a group of individuals responds to items, a potential for biased data collection. This study examined if differences existed in the responses to items pertaining to college students’ feeling safe and supported with respect to their sexual orientation. Results indicated differences for queer first year respondents, but no differences when looking at senior students. Future research should explore why such items are functioning differently to improve our understanding of how to create quality survey items.

Authors

• Kyle T. Fassett, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Allison BrckaLorenz, Indiana University