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  • Differential Item Functioni...
    Lambert, Matthew C.; Martin, Jodie; Epstein, Michael H.; Cullinan, Douglas

    Journal of emotional and behavioral disorders, 12/2021, Volume: 29, Issue: 4
    Journal Article

    The present study explored the psychometric properties of ratings made using the Scales for Assessing Emotional Disturbance–Third Edition: Rating Scale (SAED-3 RS), a scale developed for use in identifying school-age students with emotional and behavioral problems. The purposes of the study were to assess differential item functioning (DIF) for SAED-3 RS items between White and Hispanic students and to assess the impact of DIF on SAED-3 RS scale scores. The sample consisted of 979 students without disabilities who were identified as White/Non-Hispanic (71.91%) and Hispanic (28.09%). The data indicated that SAED-3 RS items demonstrated small to negligible levels of DIF and that DIF did not saliently impact scores. The data suggest that items and scores yielded from the SAED-3 RS are consistent in measuring the emotional and behavioral functioning of school-age students from diverse backgrounds. Research limitations, future research directions, and practical use implications for school personnel are discussed.