It is critical to examine whether test accommodations function as intended in removing construct-irrelevant variance. The measurement comparability of a math test for students with emotional impairments and those without disabilities was examined. Results indicated the presence of limited differential item functioning (DIF) regardless of…

This article offers an approach to examining differential item functioning (DIF) under its item response theory (IRT) treatment in the framework of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The approach is based on integrating IRT- and CFA-based testing of DIF and using bias-corrected bootstrap confidence intervals with a syntax code in Mplus.

Academic entitlement (AE) characterizes students who believe they deserve positive academic outcomes independent of performance. Using the Academic Entitlement Questionnaire, we evaluated the longitudinal stability of the measurement and magnitude of AE. Results indicated partial measurement invariance, slight average increase in AE, and…

Traditional methods of assessing construct stability are reviewed and longitudinal mean and covariance structures (LMACS) analysis, a modern approach, is didactically illustrated using psychological entitlement data. Measurement invariance and latent variable stability results are interpreted, emphasizing substantive implications for educators and…

The purpose of this study was to test the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) for factorial invariance across Turkish and U.S. college student samples. The results indicated that (a) a two-factor model has an adequate fit for both samples, thus providing evidence of configural invariance, and (b) there is a metric invariance but "no"…

This study was to apply the mixed Rasch model to investigate person heterogeneity of Beck Depression Inventory-II-Chinese version (BDI-II-C) and its effects on dimensionality and construct validity. Person heterogeneity was reflected by two latent classes that differ qualitatively. Additionally, person heterogeneity adversely affected the…

Describes what publishers of major achievement tests are now doing to minimize bias and offers recommendations for changes still needed. (Author/ABB)

Explores heterosexist bias in seven widely used assessment instruments. Focuses on bias that is observable in the instruments themselves and in the ancillary materials. Describes three types of bias, how these biases manifest in various instruments, and makes recommendations for mental health practitioners and for professionals who develop…

Comments on an article that explored heterosexist bias in seven widely used assessment instruments. Raises concerns about how the article defined homophobia and heterosexism, and advocates a cautious approach to decreasing heterosexist and homophobic bias in assessment, which includes gathering assessment data. (RJM)

Responds to an article that explored heterosexist bias in seven widely used assessment instruments. Praises the article's authors for raising this issue and explores their recommendation that norms appropriate to lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations be developed. Argues that bias can pervade the whole assessment process--not just the testing…

Presents a cross-cultural perspective for testing practitioners. Discusses practical cross-cultural assessment issues, including test unfairness or bias. Offers solutions to testing issues regarding diverse populations. Includes 80 citations. (Author/CRR)

A language test and five psychosocial measures were used to evaluate the effect of examiners on 32 disabled preschool and school-age children who were moderately to profoundly speech impaired, or both. Results indicated that the children performed significantly better when tested by familiar examiners than by unfamiliar examiners. (Author/ABB)

Differential item functioning (DIF) in the Multidimensional Self Concept Scale (B. A. Bracken, 1992) was evaluated using 2 different methods to identify and describe DIF. Of 149 items from the Multidimensional Self Concept Scale, 42% exhibited gender DIF. Nonuniform, crossover DIF was evident in items throughout the instrument.

Investigates the relationship of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Scales L, K, and Mf with Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQs from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised; achievement scores in reading, spelling, and arithmetic; and total years of education as self-reported by the study research participants. (RJM)

Examined differences in Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) scores between persons of differing educational levels and family income in the MMPI-2 normative sample to determine if MMPI-2 scores are differentially accurate in predicting relevant extra-test characteristics of persons of differing socioeconomic levels. MMPI-2…