Rasch Analysis and Differential Item Functioning of the Time Management Questionnaire among University Students

Yousef Abu Shindi; Hussain Alkharusi; Zubaida Shebani; Ali Kazem; Sharif Alsoudi; Aisha Al Maqbali; Muna Al-Bahrani; Rashid Al Fahdi; Aieman A. Al-Omari; Khamis Alabri

doi:10.63332/joph.v4i3.2581

Authors

Yousef Abu Shindi Psychology Department, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
Hussain Alkharusi Psychology Department, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
Zubaida Shebani Psychology Department, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
Ali Kazem Psychology Department, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
Sharif Alsoudi Psychology Department, Arts & Humanities College, Deanship of a, A'SHARQIYAH UNIVERSITY, Ibra, Oman
Aisha Al Maqbali Higher Institute of Health Specialties, Muscat, Oman.
Muna Al-Bahrani Psychology Department, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
Rashid Al Fahdi Department of Educational Foundations and Administration, Faculty of Educational Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
Aieman A. Al-Omari Department of Educational Foundations and Administration, Faculty of Educational Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
Khamis Alabri Deanship of Admissions and Registration, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63332/joph.v4i3.2581

Keywords:

Time Management, Differential Item Functioning, Rasch Model, Psychometric Properties, Item Response Theory, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Gender Differences

Abstract

Time management, crucial for success in personal, professional, and social life, is frequently assessed using scales, with the Time Management Questionnaire (TMQ) being a widely used tool. This study examines the psychometric properties of the TMQ using Item Response Theory. Specifically, the Rasch model is applied to estimate item and examinee parameters, while confirmatory factor analysis is used to confirm the scale’s factorial structure. The study also investigates differential item functioning (DIF) for scale items with respect to respondent gender. A sample of 1026 university students was analyzed. The new proposed three-factor model was found to outperform the original model and a one-factor model. Rasch analysis confirms the items' fit to the model. Additionally, significant DIF was identified across gender for six items, offering insights into refining the TMQ's measurement accuracy. These findings enhance our understanding of time management as a construct and reinforce the TMQ's reliability. Recommendations include further refinement of the TMQ and considerations of its moderating effects. The results highlight the importance of ongoing evaluation to ensure the TMQ’s validity and effectiveness in accurately assessing time management behaviors.