Profile Analysis as a Generalized Differential Item Functioning Analysis Method

Abstract

This study investigates the utility of a recent generalized differential item functioning analysis method based on profile analysis (PADIF). Two characteristics of PADIF are that the analysis is not at the item level but at the level of item categories and that the method can be used with an arbitrary number of groups. In the study, 169213 students’ responses to the mathematics tests of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2003 are used. The outcomes are aggregated at the country level. The results of PADIF are further evaluated in line with the findings in the literature. The results support PADIF as a promising method to reveal valuable information in international large scale assessments.