Differential Item Functioning Technique for Detection of Item Bias in Economics among Secondary School Students in Enugu State

Abstract

This study focused on differential item functioning (DIF) technique for detection of item bias in economics among secondary school students in Enugu State. Three research questions guided the study with a hypothesis tested at significance level of .05. Proportionate sampling technique was employed in obtaining the sample of 1008 students out of the 20,158 population for the study. The instrument for data collection was NECO (SSCE) 2018 economics objective of 60 multiple choice standardized items. Logistic Regression Analysis was used to answer for research questions 1 &2 while mean (ẍ) and standard deviation (SD) was used for research question 3. Two-way ANOVA was used to test the hypothesis. The findings identified significant DIF in gender of students and location of school. The findings also revealed that there is no significant difference between the mean achievement scores of male and female students in the both urban and rural locations. Based on the findings, it was recommended amongst others that seminars, workshops & conferences be organized for researchers, teachers, lecturers, and other stake holders on the general principle of testing and measurement and regular evaluation practices be carried out to minimize DIF. Attention should also be paid to gender and school location, when constructing test items.