Bias in Test Items and Implication for National Development

Abstract

A test that has bias items will not be free from bias which will in turn affect the validity of the test. Tests permit us to make accurate inferences about the knowledge and skills students possess. This can only be possible if the test is valid. The purpose of the study is to identify and eliminate bias items from our tests. Therefore, the study presents the meaning of item bias, the sources, types and ways to detect and eradicate bias from our tests. It was recommended that before any test is put into public use, every effort should be made to detect and do away with biased items.

Keywords: National development, Item bias, Test bias, Differential item functioning and Mantel-Haenszel chi-square.