DIFFERENTIAL ITEM FUNCTIONING OF GENERAL STUDIES MATHEMATICS EXAMINATION IN GOMBE STATE POLYTECHNIC BAJOGA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the incidence of Differential Item Functioning (DIF) of General Studies Mathematics Examinations of 2017/2018, 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 by gender in Gombe State Polytechnic Bajoga. The study was guided by two (3) research questions and one (1) hypothesis. An ex-post facto research design was employed for the study. The population of the study consisted of one thousand two hundred and twenty four (1,224) students. All the populations were used as a sample. The research questions were answered using Binary Logistic Regression analysis. The hypothesis formulated was tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The findings of the research questions one, two and three revealed that 34 items functioned differently by gender on General Studies Mathematics Examinations of 2017/2018, 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 respectively. Furthermore, the finding of the research hypothesis revealed that there is no significant difference among General Studies Mathematics Examinations in 2017/2018, 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 with regards to gender. In view of the findings, the study recommended that, the institution should either employ test experts or pilot test the items to eliminate bias and unreliable items before administration to the examinees.