Exploring Test-Taking Disengagement in the Context of PISA 2022: Evidence from Process Data

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Exploring Test-Taking Disengagement in the Context of PISA 2022: Evidence from Process Data
Language: English
Authors: Basak Erdem Kara (ORCID 0000-0003-3066-2892)
Source: International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education. 2025 17(2):305-315.
Availability: International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education. T&K Akademic Rosendalsvein 45, Oslo 1166, Norway. e-mail: iejee@iejee.com; Web site: https://www.iejee.com/index.php/IEJEE/index
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Descriptors: International Assessment, Secondary School Students, Foreign Countries, Achievement Tests, Scores, Validity, Learner Engagement, Behavior Patterns, Reaction Time, Student Motivation, Profiles, Student Attitudes, Correlation, Mathematics Achievement, Mathematics Tests, Psychometrics
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Program for International Student Assessment
ISSN: 1307-9298
Abstract: Achievement tests are commonly used in education to evaluate students' academic performance and proficiency in specific subject areas. However, there is a major problem that threatens the validity of achievement test scores which is test-taking disengagement. Respondents provide answers that are inconsistent with their true ability level and can introduce construct irrelevant variance that threatens the validity of scores. This study examines test-taking disengagement in the context of PISA 2022 using process data to identify patterns of behavior that influence student performance. Three key indicators; response time, number of actions and self-reported effort, were used to examine engagement levels. Employing Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), distinct profiles of test-takers were identified, ranging from highly engaged to disengaged groups. Results indicate that disengagement, characterized by low self-reported effort, minimal interactions, and rapid responses, is associated with lower test performance, threatening the validity of scores. These findings highlight the significance of accounting for disengagement when interpreting the results of large-scale assessments. The implications were discussed in relation to the existing literature and recommendations for future research were provided to address identified gaps and extend the study's contributions.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1468374
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Achievement tests are commonly used in education to evaluate students' academic performance and proficiency in specific subject areas. However, there is a major problem that threatens the validity of achievement test scores which is test-taking disengagement. Respondents provide answers that are inconsistent with their true ability level and can introduce construct irrelevant variance that threatens the validity of scores. This study examines test-taking disengagement in the context of PISA 2022 using process data to identify patterns of behavior that influence student performance. Three key indicators; response time, number of actions and self-reported effort, were used to examine engagement levels. Employing Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), distinct profiles of test-takers were identified, ranging from highly engaged to disengaged groups. Results indicate that disengagement, characterized by low self-reported effort, minimal interactions, and rapid responses, is associated with lower test performance, threatening the validity of scores. These findings highlight the significance of accounting for disengagement when interpreting the results of large-scale assessments. The implications were discussed in relation to the existing literature and recommendations for future research were provided to address identified gaps and extend the study's contributions.
ISSN:1307-9298