Measurement Invariance

Measurement invariance refers to the concept that a measurement tool, like a survey or test, assesses the same construct consistently across different groups, such as age, gender, or cultural backgrounds. If a test measures intelligence, for instance, it should evaluate that same quality equally well for everyone, regardless of their group. This ensures that any comparisons made, like scoring differences, reflect true differences in the ability or trait, not variations in how the test functions for different people. Establishing measurement invariance is crucial for fair and accurate assessments in research and practice.