The construct equivalence and item bias of the pib/SpEEx conceptualisation-ability test for members of five language groups in South Africa

Abstract

This study’s objective was to determine whether the Potential Index Batteries/Situation Specific Evaluation Expert (PIB/SpEEx) conceptualisation (100) ability test displays construct equivalence and item bias for members of five selected language groups in South Africa. The sample consisted of a non-probability convenience sample (N = 6 261) of members of five language groups (speakers of Afrikaans, English, North Sotho, Setswana and isiZulu) working in the medical and beverage industries or studying at higher-educational institutions. Exploratory factor analysis with target rotations confrmed the PIB/SpEEx 100’s construct equivalence for the respondents from these five language groups. No evidence of either uniform or non-uniform item bias of practical signifcance was found for the sample.

Keywords

• Abstract reasoning
• psychological instruments
• cross-cultural fairness
• item bias
• test bias