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SA Journal of Industrial Psychology
On-line version ISSN 2071-0763
Print version ISSN 0258-5200
SA j. ind. Psychol. vol.34 n.3 Johannesburg 2008
EMPIRICAL RESEARCH
The construct equivalence and item bias of the PIB/SpEEx conceptualisation-ability test for members of five language groups in South Africa
Pieter Schaap; Theresa Vermeulen
Department of Human Resource Management, University of Pretoria, 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 confirmed 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 significance was found for the sample.
Keywords: Abstract reasoning, psychological instruments, cross-cultural fairness, item bias, test bias
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Correspondence:
Pieter Schaap
E-mail: pieter.schaap@up.ac.za