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Journal of Career Development
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Measurement Invariance in Careers Research

Using IRT to Study Gender Differences in Medical Students' Specialization Decisions

Tara S. Behrend

North Carolina State University, tara.behrend{at}gmail.com

Lori Foster Thompson

North Carolina State University

Adam W. Meade

North Carolina State University

Dale A. Newton

East Carolina University

Martha S. Grayson

New York Medical College

The current study demonstrates the use of item response theory (IRT) to conduct measurement invariance analyses in careers research. A self-report survey was used to assess the importance 1,363 fourth-year medical students placed on opportunities to provide comprehensive patient care when choosing a career specialty. IRT analyses supported measurement invariance across gender. Additional analyses indicated that compared with men, women placed significantly greater importance on opportunities to provide comprehensive patient care. This in turn predicted career choice, with women being more likely than men to pursue primary care specialties. This study extends the careers literature both methodologically and substantively. Methodologically, this study exemplifies how and why to use IRT to assess measurement invariance prior to comparing groups on career-related attitudes. Substantively, this study is the first to demonstrate that the importance placed on comprehensive patient care mediates the effect of gender on intentions to pursue primary care specialties.

Key Words: career choice • differential item functioning • gender differences • item response theory • measurement invariance • medical students • primary care specialty

Journal of Career Development, Vol. 35, No. 1, 60-83 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0894845308317936
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L. Y. Flores
Introduction to Special Issue: Innovative Methodological Advances in Career Development Research and Practice
Journal of Career Development, September 1, 2008; 35(1): 3 - 4.
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