Creating A Dif Index A Combination Of Dif Measure Dif Direction And Dif Impact On People

Creating a DIF Index---a Combination of DIF Measure, DIF Direction and DIF Impact on People

Differential Item Functioning (dif) is a group-related item/test characteristic targeting the issue of item/test bias. In this dissertation, a new dif index is described that has three parts: (1) a dif measure indicating the degree of different (item) performances between the reference and focal groups, (2) a dif direction statement about the dif direction and the favored groups, etc., and (3) a descriptive statement about the impact of DIF--which and how many examinees are influenced by the dif item. For the dif measure, one method of significance detection is described and evaluated. Then, the dif index is applied to real data, and its results are compared to the results of other dif methods. Furthermore, an introduction is given to the extensions of the dif index to the test level and the polytomous item response data. Finally, some problems are evaluated and future developments are described in the discussion chapter. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest llc. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.].

Investigating the Social World

A student-friendly textbook that introduces the most cutting-edge research methods applied to engaging social issues In this new Seventh Edition of his perennially successful social research text, author Russell K. Schutt, an award-winning researcher and teacher, continues to make research come alive through research stories that illustrate the methods presented in each chapter. Through numerous examples and hands-on exercises that help students learn by doing, Investigating the Social World, Seventh Edition helps readers understand research methods as an integrated whole. Readers will learn to appreciate the value of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies and understand the need to make ethical research decisions, while also learning about contemporary social issues like homelessness, drug abuse, disasters, and the effects of social networking on interpersonal relations.

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