The effect of item context on differential item performance based on gender on mathematics test items was studied, using 404 male and 375 female adults. The analyses were based on a modified one-parameter item response theory methodology. Gender differences emerged; however, they may be due to chance. (TJH)

The purpose of this study was to investigate further the effect of differential item performance by males and females on tests which have different item arrangements. The study allows for a more accurate evaluation of whether differential sensitivity to reinforcement strategies is a factor in performance discrepancies for males and females.…

Examined whether patterns of gender differential item functioning (DIF) in parcels of items are influenced by changes in item position. Findings for more than 2,000 college freshmen taking a test of mathematics suggest that the amounts of gender DIF and DIF present in item parcels tend not to be influenced by changes in item position. (SLD)

Examined the short form and eight subtests of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency with a sample of preschoolers to assess its potential for discriminating among ages and between sexes and to see whether the short form accounted for a major portion of the variability of the complete battery. (Author/SJL)

Differential test performance by undergraduate males and females enrolled in a developmental educational psychology course (n=167) was reported on a quantitative examination as a function of item arrangement. Males were expected to perform better than females on tests whose items arranged easy to hard. Plake and Ansorge (1982) speculated this may…

To study sex differences in test performance, the performance of males and females on 16 General Certificate of Education exams was analyzed in England. Results show that males perform better on objective tests than females. (Author/JJD)

Effects of item arrangement, test anxiety, and sex on a mathematics test taken by motivated, upper-division undergraduates and beginning graduate students were investigated. Results showed that males outperformed females when items were arranged from easy to hard. (Author/GK)

Provides psychometric information on the second edition of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) (A. Beck, R. Steer, and G. Brown, 1996) for internal consistency, factorial validity, and gender differences. Results indicate that the BDI-II is a stronger instrument than its predecessor in terms of factor structure. (SLD)

This study compared college students who used the World Wide Web versus paper and pencil to respond to one of three surveys: the 1997 and 1999 Student Experiences Survey and 1998 University of Minnesota Graduate Survey. Students chose to respond by mail or via the Web. Researchers examined the proportion of students who used the Web versus those…

Surveys the trait anxiety profile and preference concerning types of examinations of preservice science teachers. Reports that the students prefer examinations on understanding and analyzing rather than on knowing and remembering, and that students' anxiety states correlate with the type of examination and sex. (Author)

Effects of item arrangement (easy-hard, uniform, and random), test anxiety, and sex on a 48-item multiple-choice mathematics test assembled from items of the American College Testing Program and taken by motivated upper level undergraduates and beginning graduate students were investigated. Four measures of anxiety were used: the Achievement Test…

What effect varying the phrasing of attitude statements would have across sex and grade was determined. Three content parallel forms were developed to assess student attitudes toward integration. Each form contained 15 items and differed only in terms of item phrasing either positive, negative or a combination of both. Six hundred and twenty-two,…

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships of certain cognitive variables to problem-solving performance. Cognitive restructuring, spatial ability, reading comprehension, and mathmatical story problems tests presented in a regular verbiage, low verbiage, and drawn formats were given to students in grades three through seven.…

Gender differences on the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 science tests were explored through statistical analyses and interviews with 25 high school students. Results show the importance of studying the validity of the outcome measure and suggest that conclusions about group differences and correlates of achievement depend on the…

Studied the performance of 140 Primary 6 (aged 10 and 11) school students in Scotland using 2 modes of assessment, a paper-and-pencil test and more "practical" tasks. Results suggest children, especially lower achievers, perform better on the more interactive, practical tasks. Results also suggest some gender differences. (SLD)