title: Procedures for the analysis of differential item functioning (DIF) for small sample sizes.
abstract: An item with differential item functioning (DIF) displays different statistical properties, conditional on a matching variable. The presence of DIF in measures can invalidate the conclusions of medical outcome studies. Numerous approaches have been developed to examine DIF in many areas, including education and health-related quality of life. There is little consensus in the research community regarding selection of one best method, and most methods require large sample sizes. This article describes some approaches to examine DIF with small samples (e.g., less than 200).
authors.affiliation: Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA.
authors.forename: Jin-Shei
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Jeanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Teresi
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gershon
mesh_terms: D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D018401:Sample Size; D012984:Software; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires