Detecting gender bias in a language proficiency test

The present study makes use of the Rasch model to investigate the presence of DIF between male and female examinees taking the University of Tehran English Proficiency Test (UTEPT). The results of the study indicated that 19 items are functioning differentially for the two groups. Only 3 items, however, displayed DIF with practical significance. A close inspection of the items indicated that the presence of DIF may be interpreted as impact rather than bias. Therefore, it is concluded that the presence of the differentially functioning may not render the test unfair. On the other hand, it is argued that the fairness of the test may be under question due to other factors.