Identification of unique cultural response patterns by means of item response theory.

Abstract

An item response theory (IRT) analysis was used to identify unique cultural response patterns by comparing single-culture groups with a multicultural composite. A survey designed to measure attitudes toward mental health was administered in their native languages to American, German, and French working, retired, and student teachers. Item characteristic curves (ICCs) for each national group were compared with ICCs generated by a composite reference containing all three cultural groups, thus providing an omnicultural reference point. Items that exhibited differential item functioning (DIF), that is, items with dissimilar ICCs for the composite reference and focal groups, were indicative of unique cultural response patterns to the attitude survey items. The advantages and disadvantages of this method in an IRT analysis are discussed