Digital Module 36: Applying Intersectionality Theory to Educational Measurement

Abstract

Module Abstract: Over the past decade, interest in applying Intersectionality Theory to quantitative analyses has grown. This module examines key concepts that form the foundation of Intersectionality Theory and considers challenges and opportunities these concepts present for quantitative methods. Two examples are presented to demonstrate how an intersectional approach to quantitative analyses differs from a traditional single-axis approach. The first example employs a linear regression technique to examine the efficacy of an educational intervention and to explore whether efficacy differs among subgroups of students. The second example compares findings when a differential item function analysis is conducted in a single-axis manner versus an intersectional lens. The module ends by exploring key considerations analysts and psychometricians encounter when applying Intersectionality Theory to a quantitative analysis.