Using Mantel-Haenszel methods for detecting differential item functioning

Statistics comprised under Mantel-Haenszel (MH) methods designation constitute one of the most popular and low cost differential item functioning (DIF) detection methods. Mantel-Haenszel methods permit DIF assessment of dichotomous and polytomous items in multiple groups simultaneously, and they can be applied both under Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory. This paper provides a framework for integrating the different MH statistics used in DIF research, and describes the software that has been developed to provide an easy-to-use program for conducting DIF analyses using the statistics. The program is free of charge and it is available in the following languages: Spanish, English and Portuguese.

Differential item functioning; DIF software; GMHDIF; Mantel-Haenszel methods; Generalized Mantel-Haenszel statistics