Test and Item Bias studies typically begin with a statistical process called Differential Item Functioning (DIF). DIF identifies items that may exhibit different item or test properties by pre-defined group membership.

Since the presence of different properties does not necessarily imply bias, it is also important to have a group of SMEs review the results of the DIF analysis.

Importantly, SMT also employs careful strategies during job analyses and item-writing to minimize bias prior to test production.