Differential item functioning in the Arabic version of the social phobia inventory (SPIN)‎ with a sample of students from Algerian universities

Abstract EN

The aim of the current study was to investigate the validity of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) with the University students in the Algerian Environment.

Data from (1227) participants belong to 11 Algerian Universities, (561) males and (666) females were analyzed in order to assess the factor structure and the presence of Differential Item Functioning based on gender in the items of the (SPIN).

There was a significant difference between the mean scores of males (19.

44), SD (9.

64) and the mean scores of females (23.

63), SD (9.

71).

The (SPIN) showed adequate reliability coefficient.

The stability coefficient was (0.

64) and the ordinal Cronbach's alpha coefficient was (0.

80).

The (SPIN) was unidimensional.

Results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed a five factor structure and its items were not contain the Differential Item Functioning.

The (SPIN) demonstrated good psychometric properties and it was not biased, thus we can consider it as a valid instrument to use with the University students in the Algerian Environment.

With the ability to compare between sexes.