Abstract
Investigations of differential item functioning (DIF) have been conducted mostly on ability tests and have found little evidence of easily interpretable differences across various demographic subgroups. In this study, we examined the degree to which DIF in biographical data items referencing academically relevant background, experiences, and interests was related to differences in judgments about access to these experiences by members of different gender and race subgroups. DIF in the location parameter was significantly related (r = –.51, p < .01) to gender differences in perceived accessibility to experience. No significant relationships with accessibility were observed for DIF in the slope parameter across gender groups or for the slope and location parameters associated with DIF across Black and White groups. Practical implications for use of biodata and theoretical implications for DIF research are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
