Araştırma Makalesi

Structural and behavioral implications of wording effects: An integrated investigation using exploratory graph analysis and explanatory item response modeling¹

Cilt: 16 Sayı: 1 26 Mart 2026
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Structural and behavioral implications of wording effects: An integrated investigation using exploratory graph analysis and explanatory item response modeling¹

Abstract

The inclusion of both positive and negative items in self-report scales can generate extraneous variance unrelated to the target construct, potentially leading to the word effect (WE). The aim of this study is to examine the effect of WE on both scale structure and respondent behavior. The study group consisted of 7,245 students who participated in the PISA 2022 Turkey application. The Perseverance and Self-control scales used in the study consisted of 10 items (6 positive, 4 negative) and were administered in a five-point Likert format. Data analysis was conducted in two stages. First, the dimensionality of the scales was examined using exploratory graphical analysis, an extension of psychometric network analysis. Subsequently, the effect of KE on response behavior was analyzed using Exploratory Item Response Models. The findings indicate that in these scales, which were theoretically designed as unidimensional, positive and negative items form separate dimensions, and positive items have a higher likelihood of being endorsed. The results indicate that ignoring WE may weaken measurement validity and produce bias, especially in comparative studies. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically include word effects and method effects in the modeling and reporting stages. For future studies, it is recommended that the WE be systematically addressed in scale structures, process data such as response time/re-reading be collected, and item direction be examined.

Keywords

Kaynakça

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Ayrıntılar

Birincil Dil

İngilizce

Konular

Eğitimde Ölçme ve Değerlendirme (Diğer)

Bölüm

Araştırma Makalesi

Yayımlanma Tarihi

26 Mart 2026

Gönderilme Tarihi

25 Ekim 2025

Kabul Tarihi

5 Şubat 2026

Yayımlandığı Sayı

Yıl 2026 Cilt: 16 Sayı: 1

Kaynak Göster

APA
Demirkol, S. (2026). Structural and behavioral implications of wording effects: An integrated investigation using exploratory graph analysis and explanatory item response modeling¹. Ordu Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Sosyal Bilimler Araştırmaları Dergisi, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.48146/odusobiad.1810609

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