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A Review of Recent Developments in Differential Item Functioning DIF

Author(s):
Mapuranga, Raymond; Dorans, Neil J.; Middleton, Kyndra
Publication Year:
2008
Report Number:
RR-08-43
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
32
Subject/Key Words:
Differential Item Functioning (DIF), Criteria

Abstract

In many practical settings, essentially the same differential item functioning (DIF) procedures have been in use since the late 1980s. Since then, examinee populations have become more heterogeneous, and tests have included more polytomously scored items. This paper summarizes and classifies new DIF methods and procedures that have appeared since the early 1990s and assesses their appropriateness for practical use. Widely used DIF methods are evaluated alongside these new methods for completeness, clarity, and comparability.

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