Examining Scale Items in Terms of Method Effects Based on the Bifactor Item Response Theory Model

The current study aims to apply a one-dimensional (the graded response model) and a multidimensional (the bifactor model) item response theory model to evaluate the presence of method effects on the data obtaining from the administration of the scale measuring emotional school engagement of students as a part of 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The model data fits of the unidimensional and bifactor model conceptualizations were compared on the data obtained from a large sample of Turkey school children. The item parameters and model data fit statistics provided evidences for that the school engagement scale of the PISA 2015 measures a primary construct (the emotional school engagement) with two nuisance factors (the negative and positive wording effects). The results of the present study supported the use of bifactor model in evaluating the presence of method effects. Therefore, researchers using the Emotional School Engagement Scale of PISA are recommended to utilize more sophisticated statistical techniques such as the bifactor item response theory model.

Anahtar Kelimeler:

model comparison, method effects, the bifactor graded response model

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