Distinguishing between Net and Global DIF in Polytomous Items

Abstract

In this article, I address two competing conceptions of differential item functioning (DIF) in polytomously scored items. The first conception, referred to as net DIF, concerns between‐group differences in the conditional expected value of the polytomous response variable. The second conception, referred to as global DIF, concerns the conditional dependence of group membership and the polytomous response variable. The distinction between net and global DIF is important because different DIF evaluation methods are appropriate for net and global DIF; no currently available method is universally the best for detecting both net and global DIF. Net and global DIF definitions are presented under two different, yet compatible, modeling frameworks: a traditional item response theory (IRT) framework, and a differential step functioning (DSF) framework. The theoretical relationship between the IRT and DSF frameworks is presented. Available methods for evaluating net and global DIF are described, and an applied example of net and global DIF is presented.