Operating Characteristics Of The DIF MIMIC Approach Using Jöreskog’s Covariance Matrix With ML And WLS Estimation For Short Scales

Authors

Michaela N. Gelin, University of British Columbia
Bruno D. Zumbo, University of British ColumbiaFollow

Abstract

Type I error rate of a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach for investigating differential item functioning (DIF) in short scales was studied. Muthén’s SEM model for DIF was examined using a covariance matrix (Jöreskog, 2002). It is conditioned on the latent variable, while testing the effect of the grouping variable over-and-above the underlying latent variable. Thus, it is a multiple-indicators, multiple-causes (MIMIC) DIF model. Type I error rates were determined using data reflective of short scales with ordinal item response formats typically found in the social and behavioral sciences. Results indicate Type I error rates for the DIF MIMIC model, as implemented in LISREL, are inflated for both estimation methods for the design conditions examined.

DOI

10.22237/jmasm/1193890860