Detecting Construct Bias Quiz

Study Notes

Evaluation Methods

Internal Structure Evaluation: Factor analysis is a common method to assess the internal structure of a test, examining how well the items correlate with one another.

Item Discrimination and d Value

High d Value: Indicates that a test item effectively distinguishes between high and low ability test-takers, suggesting good test quality.
Low d Value: Suggests that a test item does not differentiate well between different ability levels, indicating potential issues with item validity.

Differential Item Functioning (DIF) Analysis

Assumptions of DIF: The analysis assumes that if a test measures a construct fairly, individuals with the same ability should have the same probability of answering an item correctly, regardless of subgroup membership (e.g., gender, ethnicity).

Item Discrimination Index (d)

Definition: The item discrimination index quantifies how well an item differentiates between high-performing and low-performing examinees.

Detecting Construct Bias

Use of Item Discrimination Indexes: Discrepancies in item discrimination indexes across different groups can indicate construct bias, reflecting possible unfair advantages or disadvantages related to specific demographics.

Mechanical Aptitude and Test Items

Expected Result: If a test item effectively reflects mechanical aptitude, it will likely correlate well with other items measuring related constructs, ensuring consistent results among high-aptitude individuals.

Item Response Theory (IRT)

Basis of IRT: IRT is based on the idea that an individual's response to a test item is related to their underlying ability level, allowing for a detailed understanding of item performance and examinee traits.

Spearman Rank Correlation

Purpose in Bias Detection: Used to measure the strength and direction of association between test scores and rankings, aiding in identifying potential construct bias by evaluating relations across different groups.

Predictive Bias

Definition: Refers to a situation where a test or assessment is less predictive of outcomes for one group compared to another, raising concerns regarding fairness and accuracy.

Types of Bias

Uniform Bias: Impacts all groups similarly, resulting in a constant difference in scores across groups.
Nonuniform Bias: Affects groups differently depending on ability levels, introducing variability in item performance related to subgroup membership.

Description

Test your knowledge on detecting construct bias with this quiz! Learn about the four procedures used to detect bias, including item discrimination index, factor analysis, item functioning analysis, and rank order consistency. Improve your understanding of how to identify and address bias in assessments.