SES Related Differential Factors in Turkey’s PISA 2015 Science Literacy Data

The purpose of this study is to investigate item characteristics that may differentially affect PISA 2015 science performance of students in lower, middle, or upper SES groups in Turkey. The Profile Analysis was used in the study. Results revealed response format and knowledge aspect of PISA 2015 science items as the two main characteristics which might lead differential performance among students from different SES background. Constructed response item format and procedural knowledge aspect have been detected as the weaknesses of low SES students, and multiple choice item format and content knowledge aspect have been detected as the weaknesses of high SES students in Turkey.