Mantel-Haenszel statistic and the logistic regression in the detection of DIF in two aptitude tests

Mantel-Haenszel statistic and the logistic regression in the detection of D IF in two aptitude tests. Psychometricians have stressed the need for study ing the psychometric characteristics of items applied to groups of subjects with characteristics different to those of the original target population, focusing on the detection of items which function differentially across gr oups (DIF). This question was studied in a situation of languages in contac t, such as the Valencian Community (Spain). In this region, it is quite fre quent to apply ability tests developed in Spanish language to children whos e family and/or school language is Valencian. This paper analyzes the congr uence of the Mantel-Haenszel statistic and the logistic regression in the d etection of DIF in two scales, written and validated in Spanish, and freque ntly applied in the Valencian educational context. Results were interpreted attending to the specific characteristics of DIF items and simulation stud ies. Several recomendations to consider in future investigations of psychol ogical scales with DIF items are given.