The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of discrete anchor items versus passage-based anchor items on observed score equating using empirical data.This study compares an "SAT"® critical reading anchor that contains more discrete items proportionally, compared to the total tests to be equated, to another anchor that…

The importance of item difficulty (equated delta) was explored as a predictor of differential item functioning of Black versus White examinees for 4 verbal item types using 13 Graduate Record Examination forms and 11 Scholastic Aptitude Test forms. Several significant racial differences were found. (TJH)

The standardization approach to comprehensive differential item functioning is described and contrasted with the log-linear approach to differential distractor functioning and the item-response-theory-based approach to differential alternative functioning. Data from an edition of the Scholastic Aptitude Test illustrate application of the approach…

Differential item functioning (DIF) methodology for revealing sources of item difficulty and performance characteristics of different groups was explored. A total of 150 Scholastic Aptitude Test items and 132 Graduate Record Examination general test items were analyzed. DIF was evaluated for males and females and Blacks and Whites. (SLD)

Item responses of 2,380 mathematically talented junior high school students (1,437 males and 943 females) were studied to determine gender differences, using the mathematical sections of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT-M). Girls excelled on miscellaneous items and data sufficiency items but performed less well on algebra items than boys. (SLD)

The relationship of differential item functioning (DIF) to item difficulty on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) was examined, based on data from nine recent administrations of the test from June 1986 through December 1987. This pool of information includes item statistics on 765 verbal and 540 mathematical items computed for subgroups of White,…