Research Article

DIF Analysis with a Multidimensional Multilevel Mixture Model with Covariates

Number: Advanced Online Publication Early Pub Date: August 4, 2026

DIF Analysis with a Multidimensional Multilevel Mixture Model with Covariates

Abstract

This study aims to compare observed groups and latent classes, derived from mixture models, in terms of the number of items displaying differential item functioning (DIF) and their corresponding effect size levels. It also seeks to investigate the nature of DIF, utilizing it as a tool for collecting validity evidence in the testing process. In this direction, a dataset comprising 20 items (10 mathematics and 10 science) from the eTIMSS 2019 booklet 1, which included 22 countries, was created. The dataset structure was analyzed and found to exhibit both multidimensional and multilevel characteristics. Results showed that, for both observed group variables, only items with negligible DIF (Level A) were identified, whereas mixture models revealed many items with DIF at effect Levels B and C. Examination of the selected CB2-C2 model provided a more detailed descriptive picture of item-parameter differences across latent classes, particularly with

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Measurement Theories and Applications in Education and Psychology, Classroom Measurement Practices, Curriculum Evaluation in Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

August 4, 2026

Publication Date

-

Submission Date

June 1, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 28, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

APA
Doğan, Ö., & Atar, B. (2026). DIF Analysis with a Multidimensional Multilevel Mixture Model with Covariates. International Journal of Educational Studies and Policy, Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.63612/ijesp.1961623
AMA
1.Doğan Ö, Atar B. DIF Analysis with a Multidimensional Multilevel Mixture Model with Covariates. IJESP. 2026;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.63612/ijesp.1961623
Chicago
Doğan, Ömer, and Burcu Atar. 2026. “DIF Analysis With a Multidimensional Multilevel Mixture Model With Covariates”. International Journal of Educational Studies and Policy, no. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.63612/ijesp.1961623.
EndNote
Doğan Ö, Atar B (August 1, 2026) DIF Analysis with a Multidimensional Multilevel Mixture Model with Covariates. International Journal of Educational Studies and Policy Advanced Online Publication
IEEE
[1]Ö. Doğan and B. Atar, “DIF Analysis with a Multidimensional Multilevel Mixture Model with Covariates”, IJESP, no. Advanced Online Publication, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.63612/ijesp.1961623.
ISNAD
Doğan, Ömer - Atar, Burcu. “DIF Analysis With a Multidimensional Multilevel Mixture Model With Covariates”. International Journal of Educational Studies and Policy. Advanced Online Publication (August 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.63612/ijesp.1961623.
JAMA
1.Doğan Ö, Atar B. DIF Analysis with a Multidimensional Multilevel Mixture Model with Covariates. IJESP. 2026. doi:10.63612/ijesp.1961623.
MLA
Doğan, Ömer, and Burcu Atar. “DIF Analysis With a Multidimensional Multilevel Mixture Model With Covariates”. International Journal of Educational Studies and Policy, no. Advanced Online Publication, Aug. 2026, doi:10.63612/ijesp.1961623.
Vancouver
1.Ömer Doğan, Burcu Atar. DIF Analysis with a Multidimensional Multilevel Mixture Model with Covariates. IJESP. 2026 Aug. 1;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.63612/ijesp.1961623

Creative Commons License

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