A general framework and an R package for the detection of dichotomous differential item functioning

Behav Res Methods. 2010 Aug;42(3):847-62. doi: 10.3758/BRM.42.3.847.

Abstract

Differential item functioning (DIF) is an important issue of interest in psychometrics and educational measurement. Several methods have been proposed in recent decades for identifying items that function differently between two or more groups of examinees. Starting from a framework for classifying DIF detection methods and from a comparative overview of the most traditional methods, an R package for nine methods, called difR, is presented. The commands and options are briefly described, and the package is illustrated through the analysis of a data set on verbal aggression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Educational Measurement / methods*
  • Educational Measurement / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Logistic Models
  • Models, Statistical
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Probability
  • Psychometrics / methods*
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Software*