This paper aimed at describing the main methods used today in the detection of the differential functioning of items (DIF). We describe the methods of the Area between the ICC's, Comparison of the Probabilities, Comparison of the Items Parameters, Lord's Chi-square, Scheuneman's Chi-square, Pearson's or Total Chi-square, Mantel-Haenszel Method, Logistic Regression, Standardized Method and, finally, the Logistic Interactive Method. We present the mathematical basis, main advantages and limitations of these methods. Finally, we emphasize the presence of the DIF in psychological and educational tests as a problem for the assumption of standardized conditions and also as a cause of injustice and absence of equity for the assessment process.
Differential item functioning (DIF); item response theory (IRT); psychological assessment
