Differential Item Functioning Method as an Item Bias Indicator for English Language Mock SSCE Examination in Gombe State

Abstract

This study examined Differential Item Functioning (DIF) in the 2023 English Language Multiple-choice Mock Examination in Gombe State, Nigeria. The Objectives of this study were to detect differential Item Functioning of the 2023 English Language Multiple-choice Mock Senior School Certificate Examination in Gombe state through the following objectives: to find out the number of items that functioned differentially between Boys’ and Girls’ students of Mega schools in the 2023 English Language Multiple-choice Mock Examination and to find out the number of items that functioned differentially between Boys’ and Girls’ students of urban schools in the 2023 English Language Multiple-choice Mock Examination.    Using a sample of 756 students from 16 public senior secondary schools, the study employed binary logistic regression analysis to detect DIF. The results revealed that some items exhibited DIF across gender, school type, and location. Specifically, items exhibited DIF in mega schools, urban schools, and science-based schools. The findings highlight the importance of examining DIF in educational tests to ensure fairness and validity. The study recommends that test developers should regularly examine DIF in educational tests and review or replace items exhibiting DIF to prevent bias against certain groups of students.