A Comparison of the LR and DFIT Frameworks of Differential Functioning Applied to the Generalized Graded Unfolding Model

    Authors

    N. T. Carter;M. J. Zickar

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Appl. Psychol. Meas.

    Keywords

    differential item functioning; measurement invariance; unfolding; item; response theory; likelihood ratio; differential functioning of items and; tests; generalized graded unfolding model; Monte Carlo; LIKELIHOOD RATIO TEST; ITEM RESPONSE THEORY; PARAMETER-ESTIMATION; DOMINANCE MODELS; DIF; TESTS; LINKING; SCALE; STEP; PERSONALITY; Social Sciences, Mathematical Methods; Psychology, Mathematical

    Abstract

    Recently, applied psychological measurement researchers have become interested in the application of the generalized graded unfolding model (GGUM), a parametric item response theory model that posits an ideal point conception of the relationship between latent attributes and observed item responses. Little attention has been given to considerations for the detection of differential item functioning (DIF) under the GGUM. In this article, the authors present a Monte Carlo simulation meant to assess the efficacy of the likelihood ratio (LR) and differential functioning of items and tests (DFIT) frameworks, two popular ways of detecting DIF. Findings indicate a marked superiority of the LR approach over DFIT in terms of true and false positive rates under the GGUM. The discussion centers on possible explanations for the poor performance of the DFIT framework in detecting DIF under the GGUM and addresses limitations of the current study as well as future research directions.

    Journal Title

    Applied Psychological Measurement

    Volume

    35

    Issue/Number

    8

    Publication Date

    1-1-2011

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    623

    Last Page

    642

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000298656500003

    ISSN

    0146-6216

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