Lack Of Differential Item Functioning Research Articles

A psychometric validation of the motives for physical activity measure for youth with intellectual disabilities (MPAM-ID)

Purpose To validate a version of the Motives for Physical Activity Measure (MPAM) adapted for youth with intellectual disabilities (ID). Materials and methods A sample of 359 youth with mild to moderate ID from Australia and Canada respectively completed English and French versions of the MPAM-ID. Results Exploratory structural equation models supported the validity and reliability of the five-factor structure of the MPAM-ID, as well as the weak, latent variance-covariance, and latent mean invariance across linguistic versions. Additional results supported the partial strong and strict invariance of most MPAM-ID items across linguistic versions. The results also supported the complete measurement invariance of the MPAM-ID over time and revealed a lack of differential item functioning (DIF) as a function of youth’s age, body-mass index (BMI), ID level, and frequency of sport involvement (FSI). However, partial DIF was found as a function of youth’s sex. Additionally, latent mean differences in MPAM-ID’s factors were found as a function of youth’s ID level, sex, and FSI. Finally, results supported the convergent validity of the MPAM-ID factors with a measure of perceived physical abilities. Conclusion The MPAM-ID can be used among English- and French-speaking youth with ID irrespective of their age, BMI, ID level, sex, and FSI. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION We propose English and French adaptations of the Motives for Physical Activity Measure for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities (MPAM-ID). The MPAM-ID was able to identify the same motives as the original measure. The MPAM-ID will facilitate the assessment of motives for physical Activity in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. The MPAM-ID will facilitate the assessment of motives for physical Activity among English- and French-speaking youth with ID. The MPAM-ID could be used to compare youth motives for physical Activity as a function of their age, body-mass index, ID level, and frequency of sport involvement.

Validation of the Spanish version of the Memory Failures of Everyday questionnaire in older adults using Rasch analysis

The Memory Failures of Everyday (MFE) is a widely used instrument for assessing memory failure. The aim of the study was to analyze the MFE items using the Rasch model in a sample of cognitively older adults in Spain. A cross-sectional validation study in a sample of 214 healthy people aged ≥60 years who used centers for older people in Madrid (Spain). The MFE for the assessment of memory complaints was used. The following properties of the Rasch model were assessed: data fit, reliability, unidimensionality, local dependence and lack of differential item functioning by gender, age and marital status. The MFE showed a good fit to the Rasch model (χ2 (140)=160.2; P=0.116) and high reliability (person separation index=0.808). The questionnaire was unidimensional (6.54% t-test; IC binomial=0.036-0.095). The items showed lack of local dependence between them and differential item functioning. The MFE scores were transformed into linear interval scores with a median of 44.31 and an observed range of 17.9-89.2 (theoretical range: 0-100). The MFE is a unidimensional, reliable instrument to assess memory complaints in cognitively healthy older adults in Spain, with usefulness in clinical research and practice. The construct validity of the MFE linear score could not be fully confirmed and this deserves further investigation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 332-337.

Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children (PMSC)

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a French version of the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children (PMSC), which is aligned with the third version of the Test of Gross Motor Development. MethodA sample of 219 French-speaking Canadian children (5 to 12 years old) participated in this study. ResultsResults supported the factor validity and reliability of a 13-item version of the PMSC encompassing two factors (i.e., ball skills and locomotor skills). Subsequent analyses supported the weak, partial strong, and partial strict invariance of responses to the PMSC as a function of sex. Additionally, analyses revealed that boys displayed significantly higher perceived ball skill competence than girls. Results also supported a lack of differential item functioning (DIF) and latent mean differences as a function of body mass index and physical activity/sport involvement, but revealed evidence of DIF and latent mean differences as a function of age. More precisely, these results show that older children displayed significantly: (a) higher scores on the sliding item and lower scores on the kicking item relative to younger children; and (b) lower scores on perceived locomotor skills competence than younger children. ConclusionOverall, results suggest that the French version of the PMSC has acceptable psychometric properties and can be confidently used in research or practice to assess children's perceived movement skill competence.

German, Portuguese and Spanish Versions of the Revised Short Form of the Physical Self-Inventory (PSI-S-R)

ABSTRACT The present study sought to examine the psychometric properties of new German, Portuguese, and Spanish versions of the Revised Short Form of the Physical Self-Inventory (PSI-S-R), and to contrast these properties against those from the original French version of this instrument. Participants (n = 1802) were 288 French youth, 177 German youth, 848 Portuguese youths and 489 Spanish youth. Results from exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) analyses supported the factor validity and reliability of PSI-S-R across the overall sample and each linguistic sample. Subsequent analyses supported the weak, partial strong, and strict invariance of this measure, and revealed a lack of differential item functioning (i.e., measurement bias) as a function of age, body mass index, sex and sport involvement across all linguistic versions. However, latent mean differences were observed as a function of these predictors and countries.

Validation of a revised version of the Physical Self-Inventory – Very Short form for youth with intellectual disabilities (PSI-VS-ID-R): A Bayesian structural equation modeling approach

The objective of the current study was to investigate the psychometric properties of scores obtained on a revised version of the Physical Self-Inventory – Very Short form for youth with intellectual disabilities (PSI-VS-ID-R). A sample of 351 youth (M = 15.81 years) with mild to moderate levels of Intellectual Disabilities (ID) from Australia (N = 230) and Canada (N = 121) participated in this study. They respectively completed the English and French versions of the PSI-VS-ID-R, as well as additional measures of self-concept and physical fitness. Bayes structural equation modeling (BSEM) analyses provided support for the validity and reliability of the a priori nine-factor structure of scores obtained on the PSI-VS-ID-R. Moreover, additional BSEM analyses provided support for the comparability of responses obtained on the PSI-VS-ID-R (i.e., lack of differential item functioning or measurement equivalence) irrespective of linguistic versions and of participants’ age, body-mass index, ID level, sex and frequency of sport involvement. Additionally, latent mean level differences in PSI-VS-ID-R’s factors scores were also found across linguistic versions and as a function of youth’s ID level and frequency of sport involvement. Finally, the convergent validity of scores on the PSI-VS-ID-R factors was supported in relation to measures of self-concept and physical fitness.

The Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire adapted for youth with intellectual disabilities (TEOSQ-ID)

The objective of the present study was to validate a version of the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ) adapted for youth with intellectual disabilities (ID). A sample of 362 youth with mild to moderate ID (61.0% boys, M = 15.80 years) from Australia (N = 240) and Canada (N = 122) respectively completed English and French versions of the TEOSQ-ID twice over a one-year interval. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the validity and reliability of the a priori two-factor structure of the TEOSQ-ID, as well as the weak, strict, and latent variance-covariance invariance of this factor structure across linguistic versions. The results also supported the strong invariance of a majority of the TEOSQ-ID items across linguistic versions, and revealed latent mean differences showing that English-Australian youth tended to score lower on the TEOSQ-ID factors than French-Canadian respondents. The results also supported the measurement invariance of the TEOSQ-ID over time, and revealed a lack of differential item functioning (i.e., measurement bias) as a function of youth’s age, body-mass index, ID level, sex, and frequency of sport involvement. Meaningful latent mean level differences were observed on the TEOSQ-ID factors in relation to body-mass index, ID level, and frequency of sport involvement. Finally, our results supported the convergent validity of the ego and task factors in relation to a measure of perceived physical abilities.

Cross-specialty PROMIS-global health differential item functioning.

To investigate the functioning of the PROMIS-Global Health (PROMIS-GH) across clinical setting, patient age, and medical complexity by evaluating differential item functioning (DIF) within the Global Physical Health (GPH) and Global Mental Health (GMH) domains. To our knowledge, no study demonstrates lack of differential item functioning (DIF) for PROMIS-GH across these populations. We hypothesize that the PROMIS-GH domains of GMH and GPH will perform similarly when compared across these populations. Seven thousand nine hundred and seventy four complete PROMIS Global Health measures were retrospectively analyzed using the 'Lordif' package on the R platform. DIF was investigated for both GMH and GPH across clinical environment (Orthopedic Surgery, Family Medicine, & Internal Medicine), age group (≤ 53, > 53-66, > 66), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI:0, CCI:1, CCI:2 +) using quasi Monte Carlo estimation. To assess the significance of DIF, Wald tests were used with the Benjamini & Hochberg procedure. No items contained in the GMH or GPH demonstrated DIF across age groups, medical complexity, or clinical environment. Items assessing the domains of GMH and GPH within the PROMIS-GH function comparably across treatment setting, age category, and medical comorbidities. The PROMIS-Global Health holds potential to facilitate interdisciplinary patient care and patient optimization prior to surgical intervention.

Psychometric Properties of the Body Checking Questionnaire (BCQ) and of the Body Checking Cognitions Scale (BCCS): A Bifactor-Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling Approach.

This research sought to assess the psychometric properties of the French versions of the Body Checking Questionnaire and the Body Checking Cognitions Scale among community samples. A total sample of 922 adolescents and adults was involved in a series of two studies. The results from the first study supported factor validity and reliability of responses obtained on these two measures, and showed that both measures were best represented by a bifactor-exploratory structural equation modeling representation of the data. The results from the second study replicated these conclusions, while also supporting the measurement invariance of the bifactor-exploratory structural equation modeling solution and the equivalence of the correlations among the two measures (i.e., convergent validity) across samples. This second study also supported the criterion-related validity of ratings on both measures with measures of global self-esteem, physical appearance, social physique anxiety, fear of negative appearance evaluation, and disturbed eating attitudes and behaviors. Finally, the results of this last study also supported the measurement invariance and lack of differential item functioning of both measures in relation to sex, age, diagnosis of eating disorders, and body mass index.

Structural validity of the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency – Second edition brief form (BOT-2-BF)

BackgroundPractitioners often assess the motor skills of children presented with suspected developmental delays. It is essential that the tests used to assess children have strong measurement properties including validity. AimThe structural validity of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency – second edition Brief Form (BOT-2-BF) was investigated. Method123 healthy children (67 males & 56 females; M = 10 years, 2 months; SD = 1 year, 4 months) completed the BOT-2-BF. The Rasch Measurement Model (RMM) was used to assess the 14-item BOT-2-BF’s dimensionality, hierarchical ordering, differential item functioning (DIF), and item and person separation reliability. ResultsNine BOT-2-BF misfit RMM requirements. A second RMM analysis of a five-item BOT-2-BF version was completed. The five-item version did meet the RMM requirements of item fit, dimensionality, hierarchical ordering, lack of DIF, and adequate item and person separation reliability. ImplicationsThe 14-item version of the BOT-2-BF is not recommended for use as a screening scale to assess children’s motor skill performance. However, a revised five-item version of the BOT-2-BF did appear to meet RMM expectations. Further psychometric assessment of the revised five-item version of the BOT-2-BF is recommended.

Measuring person-centred care in nurse-led outpatient rheumatology clinics.

Measurement of person-centred care (PCC) outcomes is underdeveloped owing to the complexity of the concept and lack of conceptual clarity. A framework conceptualizing outpatient PCC in rheumatology nurse-led clinics has therefore been suggested and operationalized into the PCC instrument for outpatient care in rheumatology (PCCoc/rheum). The aim of the present study was to test the extent to which the PCCoc/rheum represents the underpinning conceptual outpatient PCC framework, and to assess its measurement properties as applied in nurse-led outpatient rheumatology clinics. The 24-item PCCoc/rheum was administered to 343 persons with rheumatoid arthritis from six nurse-led outpatient rheumatology clinics. Its measurement properties were tested by Rasch measurement theory. Ninety-two per cent of individuals (n = 316) answered the PCCoc/rheum. Items successfully operationalized a quantitative continuum from lower to higher degrees of perceived PCC. Model fit was generally good, including lack of differential item functioning (DIF), and the PCCoc/rheum was able to separate individuals with a reliability of 0.88. The four response categories worked as intended, with the exception of one item. Item ordering provided general empirical support of a priori expectations, with the exception of three items that were omitted owing to multidimensionality, dysfunctional response categories and unexpected ordering. The 21-item PCCoc/rheum showed good accordance with the conceptual framework, improved fit, functioning response categories and no DIF, and its reliability was 0.86. We found general support for the appropriateness of the PCCoc/rheum as an outcome measure of patient-perceived PCC in nurse-led outpatient rheumatology clinics. While in need of further testing, the 21-item PCCoc/rheum has the potential to evaluate outpatient PCC from a patient perspective.

Validity and Reliability of the Major Depression Inventory for Persons With Dual Sensory Loss.

Background and ObjectivesResearch has shown that dual sensory loss is a risk factor for depression in older adults. However, validated measures of depression for people with dual sensory loss are lacking. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the construct validity and reliability of the Major Depression Inventory for use among elderly persons with acquired dual sensory loss.Research Design and MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in a national sample of people ≥50 years of age with functional acquired dual sensory loss. Of the invited participants, 302 (66%) returned the questionnaire and 207 complete cases were included for analysis. Rasch models and graphical log-linear Rasch models were used for item analysis. Lack of differential item functioning was tested relative to severity of vision and hearing impairment, mode of questionnaire completion, age, sex, comorbidity, instrumental activities of daily living, social position, and cohabitation status.ResultsThe 10-item Major Depression Inventory did not fit the Rasch model. An 8-item version, excluding the items “feeling sad” and “sleep problems,” fit a graphical log-linear Rasch model. No evidence of differential item functioning was discovered, thus the 8-item Major Depression Inventory was measurement invariant across severity of impairments and mode of completing the questionnaire. The overall reliability was 0.81 and ranged from acceptable to good for all subgroups of participants, except males with severe hearing impairment and low functional status. Consequently, the 8-item version of the Major Depression Inventory was considered construct valid and reliable within the frame of reference.Discussion and ImplicationsAn 8-item version of the Major Depression Inventory can be used to screen for depressive symptoms in elderly persons with acquired dual sensory loss.

Application of Rasch analysis in the development and psychometric evaluation of dental undergraduates preparedness assessment scale.

The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable scale to measure preparedness of new dental graduates. The scale development and validation was carried out using the Rasch measurement model. Following a pilot and pre-testing of the scale, a national study was undertaken with undergraduate students from all dental schools as well as foundation dentists in UK. To examine the internal validity of the scale, we conducted a Rasch analysis. External validity of the scale was checked through validation with a range of stakeholders. An excellent fit to the Rasch model provided evidence of internal construct validity. The scale demonstrated invariance, ordered thresholds and lack of differential item functioning. Unidimensionality of the scale was confirmed by independent t-tests. The PSI value was 0.877, indicating a good degree of person separation and internal consistency. Test-retest reliability of the scale was also established. The preparedness scale developed in this project reflects innovative research using a systematic approach and employment of modern psychometric methods. The scale can be used for assessment of the preparedness of undergraduate students by dental educators and potential employers as well as by the student for self-assessment.

The Effect of Pain on Physical Functioning After Breast Cancer Treatment

Persistent postsurgical pain, musculoskeletal pain, sensory disturbances, and lymphedema are major clinical problems after treatment for breast cancer. However, there is little evidence on how these sequelae affects physical function. The aim this study was to develop and validate a procedure-specific tool for assessing the impact of pain and other sequelae on physical function after breast cancer treatment. A literature review, patient and expert interviews were used to identify dimensions of physical function and sequelae. A questionnaire was developed and tested using cognitive interviews, and field tested among 389 patients treated for primary breast cancer without recurrence (response rate 81%). Median follow-up was 14 months. Using item response theory we identified 5 cause scales of reduced physical functioning: pain after surgery, musculoskeletal pain, sensory disturbances, lymphedema, and other causes. Convergent validity was assessed using the Quick-Dsability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Scale (Q-DASH). About half of the patients reported decreased physical function. All 5 scales displayed good fit, unidimensionality, monotonicity, local independence, and lack of differential item functioning. Cronbach coefficient α ranged from 0.88 (other causes) to 0.96 (sensory disturbances) for the 5 scales. For the Q-DASH α was 0.91. Each scale revealed different information on causes of reduced function. The present scales displayed good psychometric qualities, and may be used to evaluate the impact of specific sequelae after breast cancer treatment on physical functioning, as well as to monitor and target interventions to optimize pain treatment and rehabilitation.

Rasch validation of the Prosthetic Mobility Questionnaire: A new outcome measure for assessing mobility in people with lower limb amputation.

To create a new outcome measure of mobility in people with lower limb amputation, based on a pool of 14 items assessing prosthetic mobility, comprising the 12-item Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (Mobility Section) plus 2 new items. Cross-sectional study. A total of 100 subjects (median age 58 years; 46 males; median body mass index 23.8) who had recently undergone lower limb amputation. Each patient completed the 14-item questionnaire twice: (i) at admission to the rehabilitation unit for prosthetic rehabilitation training; (ii) at 6-month follow-up after discharge. After Rasch analysis, 2 items were deleted (one due to misfit, the other because showing large (> 0.30) positive correlation of residuals with two other items (local dependence). The remaining items fitted the Rasch model (internal construct validity), giving a new 12-item scale with a 5-level response format, the Prosthetic Mobility Questionnaire (PMQ), which demonstrated unidimensionality, lack of differential item functioning, and good reliability indices (person-separation reliability = 0.87; Cronbach's alpha 0.88). Although further studies are needed to increase confidence in clinical use of the PMQ, this new questionnaire appears to be a promising, psychometrically-sound patient-reported outcome measure for assessment of mobility in subjects with lower limb amputation who use a prosthesis.

(114) The effect of pain on physical functioning after breast cancer treatment: development and validation of an assessment tool

Sequelae after treatment for breast cancer such as persistent pain, musculoskeletal pain, sensory disturbances and lymphedema are major clinical problems. However, there is little evidence on how these sequelae affects physical function. Quality of life scales are designed to measure reduced physical function, while the influence of each sequelae is not measured directly. In order to enhance research in the rehabilitation of specific sequelae, the aim was to develop and validate a specific tool for assessing the causes of reduced physical function after breast cancer treatment. Literature review, patient and expert interviews were used to identify dimensions of physical function and sequelae. An item bank was developed and tested using cognitive interviews with patients and health care professionals. In a cross-sectional design the item set was field tested among 389 patients treated for primary breast cancer without recurrence (response rate 81%). Median follow-up was 14 months. Construct validity was assessed using Rasch analyses, and identified 5 cause scales of reduced physical functioning; pain after surgery, musculoskeletal pain, sensory disturbances, lymphedema and other causes. Convergent validity was assessed using the “Quick - disability of arm, shoulder and hand” scale (Q-DASH).About half of the patients reported decreased physical function, and each of the scales revealed different information on causes of reduced function. All 5 scales fulfilled common criteria for construct validity; good fit, unidimensionality, monotonicity, local independence, and lack of differential item functioning (DIF), as well as good correlation to single items on specific sequelae and Q-DASH. Cronbach coefficient alpha ranged from 0.88 (other causes) to 0.96 (sensory disturbances) for the 5 scales. Thus, the presented scales may be used to evaluate the causes of reduced physical functioning after breast cancer and may be useful to monitor and target interventions to optimize rehabilitation. Sequelae after treatment for breast cancer such as persistent pain, musculoskeletal pain, sensory disturbances and lymphedema are major clinical problems. However, there is little evidence on how these sequelae affects physical function. Quality of life scales are designed to measure reduced physical function, while the influence of each sequelae is not measured directly. In order to enhance research in the rehabilitation of specific sequelae, the aim was to develop and validate a specific tool for assessing the causes of reduced physical function after breast cancer treatment. Literature review, patient and expert interviews were used to identify dimensions of physical function and sequelae. An item bank was developed and tested using cognitive interviews with patients and health care professionals. In a cross-sectional design the item set was field tested among 389 patients treated for primary breast cancer without recurrence (response rate 81%). Median follow-up was 14 months. Construct validity was assessed using Rasch analyses, and identified 5 cause scales of reduced physical functioning; pain after surgery, musculoskeletal pain, sensory disturbances, lymphedema and other causes. Convergent validity was assessed using the “Quick - disability of arm, shoulder and hand” scale (Q-DASH).About half of the patients reported decreased physical function, and each of the scales revealed different information on causes of reduced function. All 5 scales fulfilled common criteria for construct validity; good fit, unidimensionality, monotonicity, local independence, and lack of differential item functioning (DIF), as well as good correlation to single items on specific sequelae and Q-DASH. Cronbach coefficient alpha ranged from 0.88 (other causes) to 0.96 (sensory disturbances) for the 5 scales. Thus, the presented scales may be used to evaluate the causes of reduced physical functioning after breast cancer and may be useful to monitor and target interventions to optimize rehabilitation.

Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling: An Integration of the Best Features of Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), path analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) have long histories in clinical research. Although CFA has largely superseded EFA, CFAs of multidimensional constructs typically fail to meet standards of good measurement: goodness of fit, measurement invariance, lack of differential item functioning, and well-differentiated factors in support of discriminant validity. Part of the problem is undue reliance on overly restrictive CFAs in which each item loads on only one factor. Exploratory SEM (ESEM), an overarching integration of the best aspects of CFA/SEM and traditional EFA, provides confirmatory tests of a priori factor structures, relations between latent factors and multigroup/multioccasion tests of full (mean structure) measurement invariance. It incorporates all combinations of CFA factors, ESEM factors, covariates, grouping/multiple-indicator multiple-cause (MIMIC) variables, latent growth, and complex structures that typically have required CFA/SEM. ESEM has broad applicability to clinical studies that are not appropriately addressed either by traditional EFA or CFA/SEM.

Differential functioning of mini-mental test items according to disease

Introduction Comparing the height of males and females would be impossible if the measuring device did not have the same properties for both populations. In a similar way, the cognitive level of diverse groups of patients should not be compared if the test has different measurement properties for these groups. Lack of Differential Item Functioning (DIF) is a condition for measurement invariance between populations. Material and methods The most internationally used screening test for dementia, the MMSE (or Mini-mental State Examination), has been analysed using an advanced psychometric technique, the Rasch Model. The objective was to determine the invariance of mini-mental measurements from diverse groups: Parkinson's disease patients, Alzheimer's type dementia and normal subjects. The hypothesis was that the scores would not show DIF against any of these groups. The total sample was composed of 400 subjects. Results Significant differences between groups were found. However, the quantitative comparison only makes sense if no evidence against measurement invariance was found: given the kind of items showing DIF against Parkinson's disease patients, the MMSE seems to underestimate the cognitive level of these patients. Conclusions Despite the extended use of this test, 11 items out of 30 show DIF and consequently score comparisons between groups are not justified.

Construct validity of the multidimensional structure of bullying and victimization: An application of exploratory structural equation modeling.

Existing research posits multiple dimensions of bullying and victimization but has not identified well-differentiated facets of these constructs that meet standards of good measurement: goodness of fit, measurement invariance, lack of differential item functioning, and well-differentiated factors that are not so highly correlated as to detract from their discriminant validity and substantive usefulness in school settings. Here we demonstrate exploratory structural equation modeling, an integration of confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory factor analysis. On the basis of responses to the 6-factor Adolescent Peer Relations Instrument (verbal, social, physical facets of bullying and victimization), we tested invariance of factor loadings, factor variances--covariances, item uniquenesses, item intercepts (a lack of differential item functioning), and latent means across gender, year in school, and time. Using a combination of relations with student characteristics and a multitrait--multimethod analysis, we showed that the 6 bully/victim factors have discriminant validity over time and in relation to gender, year in school, and relevant psychosocial correlates (e.g., depression, 11 components of academic and nonacademic self-concept, locus of control, attitudes toward bullies and victims). However, bullies and victims are similar in many ways, and longitudinal panel models of the positive correlations between bully and victim factors suggest reciprocal effects such that each is a cause and an effect of the other

Methodological Measurement Fruitfulness of Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM): New Approaches to Key Substantive Issues in Motivation and Engagement

The most popular measures of multidimensional constructs typically fail to meet standards of good measurement: goodness of fit, measurement invariance, lack of differential item functioning, and well-differentiated factors that are not so highly correlated as to detract from their discriminant validity. Part of the problem, the authors argue, is undue reliance on overly restrictive independent cluster models of confirmatory factor analysis (ICM-CFA) in which each item loads on one, and only one, factor. Here the authors demonstrate exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), an integration of the best aspects of CFA and traditional exploratory factor analyses (EFA). On the basis of responses to the 11-factor Motivation and Engagement Scale ( n = 7,420, Mage = 14.22), we demonstrate that ESEM fits the data much better and results in substantially more differentiated (less correlated) factors than corresponding CFA models. Guided by a 13-model taxonomy of ESEM full-measurement (mean structure) invariance, the authors then demonstrate invariance of factor loadings, item intercepts, item uniquenesses, and factor variancescovariances, across gender and over time. ESEM has broad applicability to other areas of research that cannot be appropriately addressed with either traditional EFA or CFA and should become a standard tool for use in psychometric tests of psychological assessment instruments.

Funcionamiento diferencial de los ítems del test Mini-mental en función de la patología

Introduction Comparing the height of males and females would be impossible if the measuring device did not have the same properties for both populations. In a similar way, the cognitive level of diverse groups of patients should not be compared if the test has different measurement properties for these groups. Lack of Differential Item Functioning (DIF) is a condition for measurement invariance between populations. Material and methods The most internationally used screening test for dementia, the MMSE (or Mini-mental State Examination), has been analysed using an advanced psychometric technique, the Rasch Model. The objective was to determine the invariance of mini-mental measurements from diverse groups: Parkinson's disease patients, Alzheimer's type dementia and normal subjects. The hypothesis was that the scores would not show DIF against any of these groups. The total sample was composed of 400 subjects. Results Significant differences between groups were found. However, the quantitative comparison only makes sense if no evidence against measurement invariance was found: given the kind of items showing DIF against Parkinson's disease patients, the MMSE seems to underestimate the cognitive level of these patients. Conclusions Despite the extended use of this test, 11 items out of 30 show DIF and consequently score comparisons between groups are not justified.