Algorithms for Measurement Invariance Testing - Contrasts and Connections

Latent variable models are a powerful tool for measuring many of the phenomena in which developmental psychologists are often interested. If these phenomena are not measured equally well among all participants, this would result in biased inferences about how they unfold throughout development. In the absence of such biases, measurement invariance is achieved; if this bias is present, differential item functioning (DIF) would occur. This Element introduces the testing of measurement invariance/DIF through nonlinear factor analysis. After introducing models which are used to study these questions, the Element uses them to formulate different definitions of measurement invariance and DIF. It also focuses on different procedures for locating and quantifying these effects. The Element finally provides recommendations for researchers about how to navigate these options to make valid inferences about measurement in their own data.

List of contents

1. Algorithms for measurement invariance testing: Contrasts and connections; 2. Latent variable models; 3. What is measurement invariance? What is DIF?; 4. Codifying measurement non-invariance and differential item functioning in different latent variable frameworks; 5. Models for measurement non-invariance and differential item functioning; 6. Consequences of measurement non-invariance and differential item functioning; 7. Detecting measurement non-invariance and differential item functioning; 8.Recommendations for best practices; 9. References.

Summary

This Element introduces the testing of measurement invariance/DIF through nonlinear factor analysis and uses models to formulate different definitions of measurement invariance and DIF and different procedures for locating and quantifying these effects.

Product details

• Authors: Veronica Cole, Veronica (Wake Forest University Cole, Conor H. Lacey
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.01.2024
• EAN: 9781009454179
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0945417-9
• No. of pages: 94
• Series: Elements in Research Methods for Developmental Science
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Psychology, esoterics, spirituality, anthroposophy > Psychology: general, reference works; Social sciences, law, business > Media, communication > Communication science; PSYCHOLOGY / Developmental / General, Social research & statistics, Probability & statistics, Probability and statistics, Social research and statistics, Research methods: general