| Abstract: | Biased test items were intentionally imbedded within a set of test items, and the resulting instrument was administered to large samples of blacks and whites. Three popular item bias detection procedures were then applied to the data: (1) the three-parameter item characteristic curve procedure, (2) the chi-square method, and (3) the transformed item difficulty approach. The three-parameter item characteristic curve procedure proved most effective at detecting the intentionally biased test items; and the chi-square method was viewed as the best alternative. The transformed item difficulty approach has certain limitations yet represents a practical alternative if sample size, lack of computer facilities, or the like preclude the use of the other two procedures. |
