Reviews the approaches that have been used to detect cultural, content, predictive, and selection bias in mental tests. Argues that questions of bias are fundamentally questions of validity. Concludes that although much has been learned about the technical details of test bias, social policy questions remain to be resolved. (Author/GC)

Discusses limitations of generally accepted criteria for identifying the academically gifted. Recommends an identification process which equates precocity with academic talent by focusing on children who perform exceptionally well on advanced tests of specific subject matter. Notes that this process has been useful in identifying the gifted among…

Discusses the external, inductive, and deductive approaches to personality scale construction, and argues that none is consistently superior in terms of validity or predictive effectiveness. Also argues that since deductive scales normally communicate information more directly and are more economical to build and administer, they should be used…

Current psychological research data do not support the Social Security Administration's (SSA) decision regarding eligibility for psychiatric disability benefits. Structured work evaluation--a procedure allowed but not endorsed by SSA policies--is the best predictor of a person's ability to work. (CMG)

Examines the legal issues concerning (1) cultural bias in educational tests; (2) the validity of employment tests; and (3) the disclosure of test materials. Discusses the legal interpretations of psychometric concepts that have arisen from recent litigation. (Author/GC)

Increasingly neuropsychologists are under pressure, particularly in child custody and personal injury litigation, to justify the validity of the tests upon which their assessments are based. Reviews research on the validity of clinical opinions based on tests and concludes that test scores must be used in conjunction with life history and current…

Discusses the meaning of intelligence, the social functions that tests serve, the appropriate use of personality tests, controversies regarding IQ measurement, minimum competency testing, test disclosure, test bias, and "truth in testing." Stresses that testing is as much a social and political issue as it is an issue of scientific measurement.…

Describes the status of controversies regarding the definition of intelligence, its measurement, and the relative roles of heredity versus environment in the development of individual differences. Intelligence tests alone are inconclusive in examining individual children. (Author/BJV)

Examines accuracy evaluation in published testing programs of the following: J. M. Cattell; C. Spearman; A. Binet; L. M. Terman; R. M. Yerkes; E. L. Thorndike; and W. D. Scott. Developing community and consensus on testing required convergence between theorists and practitioners. (SLD)

Our culture's preoccupation with gender differences is reflected in the importance developmental psychologists have placed on gender-related issues. Discusses the following areas of research where gender has been a primary focus: (1) measurement of intellectual abilities; (2) biology and behavior; and (3) socialization processes. Discusses policy…

Examines research and theory on the assessment of cognitive abilities in culturally distinct populations, particularly Afro-American children, in order to provide a better understanding of variation in performance on tests of ability and academic achievement. (BJV)