In this study, we investigated gender and minority achievement gaps on 8th-grade science items employing a multilevel item response methodology. Both gaps were wider on physics and earth science items than on biology and chemistry items. Larger gender gaps were found on items with specific topics favoring male students than other items, for…

This study was designed to determine item bias by sex on a test of spatial visualization administered to middle school students. Two chi square techniques were used to assess item bias: the Scheuneman C2 and the Camilli chi square. The direction of bias was indicated by assigning positive signs to the chi square components contributed by one group…