Title: Detection Of Ses And Location Based Differential Item Functioning Of Wassce 2019 And 2020 Mathematics Objective Test Items
Authors: Kuyenum, Chukumah PhD, Onyehi, Abaye Kingsley
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Pages: 11-18
Publication Date: 2025/05/28
Abstract:
This study investigated SES and location based differential item functioning (DIF) of WASSCE 2019 and 2020 Mathematics objective test items (Dichotomous) in Delta State. To achieve the objectives of the study, two research questions were raised and hypothesized in relation to Socio-economic status (SES) and location, and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The descriptive Survey Research Design was employed in this study. The population for the study comprised 25,000 students. The sample consisted of 1,200 using the Multistage Sampling Technique of simple random sampling and stratified random for effective selection. The instruments used was the 2019 and 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) Mathematics objective items made up of fifty items each. The instruments were assumed to be valid as it was a test constructed by a public examination body, the reliability of the test was determined using test-retest method and coefficient values of 0.83 and 0.88 were obtained. The instrument was administered with aid of ten research assistants. Raju Area Index were used to identify DIF, the research questions were answered using frequency count and percentage and the hypotheses were tested using Chi-square (x2) statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that items of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) 2019 and 2020 Mathematics objective tests significantly function differentially in relation to SES and do not significantly function differentially based on location. Based on these findings, it was recommended that examination bodies should consider piloting their items more than once so that they can have the opportunity to address the incidence of DIF