Differential Item Functioning in Brief Instruments of Disordered Eating

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 823-833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desiree Thielemann ◽  
Felicitas Richter ◽  
Bernd Strauss ◽  
Elmar Braehler ◽  
Uwe Altmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Item Functioning ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Young Female ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
German Population ◽  
Test Fairness ◽  
Item Functioning ◽  
Multiple Indicator

Abstract. Most instruments for the assessment of disordered eating were developed and validated in young female samples. However, they are often used in heterogeneous general population samples. Therefore, brief instruments of disordered eating should assess the severity of disordered eating equally well between individuals with different gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and socioeconomic status (SES). Differential item functioning (DIF) of two brief instruments of disordered eating (SCOFF, Eating Attitudes Test [EAT-8]) was modeled in a representative sample of the German population ( N = 2,527) using a multigroup item response theory (IRT) and a multiple-indicator multiple-cause (MIMIC) structural equation model (SEM) approach. No DIF by age was found in both questionnaires. Three items of the EAT-8 showed DIF across gender, indicating that females are more likely to agree than males, given the same severity of disordered eating. One item of the EAT-8 revealed slight DIF by BMI. DIF with respect to the SCOFF seemed to be negligible. Both questionnaires are equally fair across people with different age and SES. The DIF by gender that we found with respect to the EAT-8 as screening instrument may be also reflected in the use of different cutoff values for men and women. In general, both brief instruments assessing disordered eating revealed their strengths and limitations concerning test fairness for different groups.

Differential Item Functioning of the Full and Brief Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales in Asian, White, Hispanic, and Multiethnic Samples and Between Sexes

Assessment ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1001-1013 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Cicero ◽  
Elizabeth A. Martin ◽  
Alexander Krieg
Keyword(s):  
Differential Item Functioning ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Magical Ideation ◽  
Item Functioning ◽  
Multiple Indicator ◽  
Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales ◽  
Multiple Causes

The Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales, including their brief versions, are among the most commonly used self-report measures of schizotypy. Although they have been used extensively in many ethnic groups, few studies have examined their differential item functioning (DIF) across groups. The current study included 1,056 Asian, 408 White, 476 Multiethnic, and 372 Hispanic undergraduates. Unidimensional models of the brief Magical Ideation Scale and Perceptual Aberration Scales fit the data well. For both scales, global tests of measurement invariance provided mixed evidence, but few of the items displayed DIF across ethnicities or between sexes within a multiple indicator multiple causes model. For the full versions of the scales and the brief Revised Social Anhedonia Scale, multiple indicator multiple causes models within an exploratory structural equation modeling framework found that few of the items had DIF. These findings suggest that some of the items may have different psychometric properties across groups, but most items do not.

scholarly journals Contributions of disordered eating behaviours and mindful eating to obesity among young female adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seliz Bagcilar ◽  
Ceren Gezer
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Young Female ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Mindful Eating ◽  
Eating Behaviours ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Eat 26

Abstract Purpose The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between disordered eating behaviours, level of mindful eating and obesity amongst young female adults. Methods Two hundred and twenty-seven female young adults aged 19-35 living in Famagusta in North Cyprus participated in this current study. Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT)-26 were used for data collecting through face-to-face interviews. Weight and body composition were obtained by body composition analyser and height were obtained by stadiometer. The measurements of neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) were measured by using a non-stretching tape according to standard techniques. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Results The majority of participants (66.5%) had less than 20 points on the EAT-26. Overall, the participants with BMI below 18.5 kg/m2 had the highest MEQ scores, while the participants with BMI above 30.0 kg/m2 had the lowest MEQ scores (p < 0.05). Similarly, statistical significance was found between the MEQ scores of obese and normal weighted participants (p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between MEQ scores and BMI, fat mass, WHR, WHtR, NC and WC (r=-0.216, p < 0.01; r=-0.234, p < 0.01; r=-172, p < 0.01 and r=-0.244, p < 0.01, r=-0.145, p < 0.05; r=-0.238, p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion Our findings suggest that there is a negative relationship between the level of mindful eating and BMI. The evidence from this study also suggests a positive relationship between the risk of eating disorders and BMI. Level of Evidence Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study

Treatments of Differential Item Functioning: A Comparison of Four Methods

2021 ◽  
pp. 001316442110120
Author(s):  
Xiaowen Liu ◽  
H. Jane Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Differential Item Functioning ◽  
Test Fairness ◽  
Multiple Group ◽  
Group Modeling ◽  
Treatment Conditions ◽  
Item Functioning ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Testing Environments ◽  
Group Comparisons

Test fairness is critical to the validity of group comparisons involving gender, ethnicities, culture, or treatment conditions. Detection of differential item functioning (DIF) is one component of efforts to ensure test fairness. The current study compared four treatments for items that have been identified as showing DIF: deleting, ignoring, multiple-group modeling, and modeling DIF as a secondary dimension. Results of this study provide indications about which approach could be applied for items showing DIF for a wide range of testing environments requiring reliable treatment.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures on eating disorder risk and emotional distress among adolescents and young people in Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 345-364
Author(s):  
Helena Vall-Roqué ◽  
Ana Andrés ◽  
Carmina Saldaña
Keyword(s):  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on emotional distress and disordered eating in a community sample of Spanish youngsters. A total of 2847 participants (95% women; aged 14-35) completed depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and disordered eating measures. Given the small proportion of men and as significant differences were found between genders in several variables, most results were only reported for women. Severe levels of depression, anxiety and stress were found in 30.8%, 25.4% and 20.5% of the sample, respectively. Sleep quality, eating habits, appearance concerns, preoccupation about one’s future, health concerns and other life domains were also affected by lockdown. Younger age, being single, being unemployed, not having contracted COVID-19 or not being sure about it, having a loved one infected or deceased due to coronavirus, and not having a place to relax at home were significantly associated with psychological distress and disordered eating. A structural equation model confirmed the direct influence of lockdown-related variables into psychopathology symptoms. The findings of this study suggest that COVID-19 and its associated lockdown might have a significant effect on psychological wellbeing and eating disturbances.

scholarly journals Test fairness and assessment of differential item functioning of mathematics achievement test for senior secondary students in Cross River state, Nigeria using item response theory

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-62
Author(s):  
Anthony Pius Effiom
Keyword(s):  
Item Response Theory ◽  
Mathematics Achievement ◽  
Differential Item Functioning ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Response Theory ◽  
Test Fairness ◽  
Cross River State ◽  
Test Items ◽  
Item Functioning

This study used Item Response Theory approach to assess Differential Item Functioning (DIF) and detect item bias in Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT). The MAT was administered to 1,751 SS2 students in public secondary schools in Cross River State. Instrumentation research design was used to develop and validate a 50-item instrument. Data were analysed using the maximum likelihood estimation technique of BILOG-MG V3 software. The result of the study revealed that 6% of the total items exhibited differential item functioning between the male and female students. Based on the analysis, the study observed that there was sex bias on some of the test items in the MAT. DIF analysis attempt at eliminating irrelevant factors and sources of bias from any kind for a test to yield valid results is among the best methods of recent. As such, test developers and policymakers are recommended to take into serious consideration and exercise care in fair test practice by dedicating effort to more unbiased test development and decision making. Examination bodies should adopt the Item Response Theory in educational testing and test developers should therefore be mindful of the test items that can cause bias in response pattern between male and female students or any sub-group of consideration. Keywords: Assessment, Differential Item Functioning, Validity, Reliability, Test Fairness, Item Bias, Item Response Theory.

scholarly journals Prevalence of disordered eating attitudes in young adults

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Vlachakis ◽  
Chrisanthy Vlachakis
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Preventive Intervention ◽  
Young Female ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Eating Behaviours ◽  
Eat 26

Objective. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of disordered eating and the dietary patterns of young adult female students. Method. 226 young female first and second year students were randomly recruited. The EAT-26 questionnaire was used to measure disordered eating, and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory tool (STAI) to assess anxiety levels. Results. The prevalence of disordered eating (DE group) was quite high and matched previous reported percentages for this age population (18%). DE students showed significantly lower energy intake compared to control group (CON) (1471 ± 357 vs. 1690 ± 563, kcals). Conclusion. Young adult female students show increased tendency towards disordered or restricted eating behaviours. Preventive intervention concerning the negative behaviours may be beneficial for all college students more so to those suffering from anxiety.

scholarly journals Checking Equity: Why Differential Item Functioning Analysis Should Be a Routine Part of Developing Conceptual Assessments

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. rm2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia Martinková ◽  
Adéla Drabinová ◽  
Yuan-Ling Liaw ◽  
Elizabeth A. Sanders ◽  
Jenny L. McFarland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Item Functioning ◽  
Simulated Data ◽  
Biology Education ◽  
Test Fairness ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Education Literature ◽  
Item Functioning ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Differential Item Functioning Analysis ◽  
Methodological Approaches

We provide a tutorial on differential item functioning (DIF) analysis, an analytic method useful for identifying potentially biased items in assessments. After explaining a number of methodological approaches, we test for gender bias in two scenarios that demonstrate why DIF analysis is crucial for developing assessments, particularly because simply comparing two groups’ total scores can lead to incorrect conclusions about test fairness. First, a significant difference between groups on total scores can exist even when items are not biased, as we illustrate with data collected during the validation of the Homeostasis Concept Inventory. Second, item bias can exist even when the two groups have exactly the same distribution of total scores, as we illustrate with a simulated data set. We also present a brief overview of how DIF analysis has been used in the biology education literature to illustrate the way DIF items need to be reevaluated by content experts to determine whether they should be revised or removed from the assessment. Finally, we conclude by arguing that DIF analysis should be used routinely to evaluate items in developing conceptual assessments. These steps will ensure more equitable—and therefore more valid—scores from conceptual assessments.

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