Detection of Differential Item Functioning on the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory Using Multiple-Group Mean and Covariance Structures Analysis

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-2000

Abstract

This article demonstrates how Sorbom's (1974) mean and covariance structure analysis (MACS) model can be used to detect uniform and non-uniform differential item functioning (DIF) on polytomous ordered response items that are assumed to approximate a continuous scale. Using item responses from 773 civil service employees, the MACS model was applied to three cognitive style scales on the widely-used Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory (KAI, Kirton, 1976; 1977). As predicted, DIF across managerial and staff support occupational groups were detected on each of the scales. As expected, there was no evidence of DIF across gender groups and across two groups formed through a random split on any of the scales. Substantive implications for the use of the KAI as well as methodological implications and future research direction for detection of DIF are discussed.

Discipline

Quantitative Psychology

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

Multivariate Behavioral Research

Volume

35

Issue

2

First Page

169

Last Page

199

ISSN

0027-3171

Identifier

10.1207/S15327906MBR3502_2

Publisher

Taylor and Francis

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327906MBR3502_2

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