In this digital ITEMS module, Dr. Michael Russell examines key concepts that form the foundation of Intersectionality Theory and considers challenges and opportunities these concepts present for quantitative methods.
Module Overview
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 sub-groups 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.
Michael Russell
Professor of Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment at Boston College
Early Career: Applying digital technologies to advance educational measurement practices & applications of Universal Design to improve accessibility for all
Recent Focus: Examining systemic racism and educational measurement & exploring applications of modern social theories to advance educational measurement practices
Introduction
Upon completion of this ITEMS module, learners should be able to:
- Describe the origins of Intersectional Theory
- Describe how Intersectionality Theory differs from traditional single-axis conceptions of identity
- Describe three challenges Intersectionality Theory presents for a quantitative analysis
- Describe how an intersectional analysis differs from an interaction effects analysis
- Apply Intersectionality Theory to a regression analysis
- Apply Intersectionality Theory to a differential item function analysis
Section 1: Origins of Intersectionality Theory
Upon completion of this section, learners should be able to:
- Describe the origins of Intersectionality Theory
- Identify key figures who have helped shaped Intersectionality Theory
- Describe the core concern Intersectionality Theory addresses
Section 2: Structuring Identity and the Challenge of Multiplicity
Upon completion of this section, learners should be able to:
- Define single-axis conceptions of demographic identity categories
- Describe how Intersectionality Theory challenges single-axis conceptions of demographic/identity categories
- Define structuralism and how identities related to structures in society
- Use metaphors to describe Intersectionality Theory
Section 3: Challenges Intersectionality Creates for Quantitative Analyses
Upon completion of this section, learners should be able to:
- Describe three challenges created by intersectionality theory
- Describe how an intersectional analysis differs from an interaction effect analysis
Section 4: Applying Intersectional Theory to a Regression Analysis
Upon completion of this section, learners should be able to:
- Define race as a social construct
- Conduct a regression analysis using intersectional groupings
- Apply an interaction model and intersectional categorical model to conduct regression analyses intersectionally
- Compare the alignment of an interaction model and an intersectional categorical model with Intersectionality Theory
Practice Exercise
- Exercise 1 (pdf)
- Exercise 1 Data File (xls)
Section 5: Applying Intersectional Theory to a Regression Analysis
Upon completion of this section, learners should be able to:
- Conduct a DIF analysis using intersectional groupings
- Contrast the results of DIF analysis using a single axis approach and an intersectional groupings approach
Practice Exercise
- Exercise 2 (pdf)
- Exercise 2 Data File (xls)