The definition of test bias--the inventory of the ways in which the term is used--has many widely disparate aspects frequently stemming from entirely different universes of discourse. This article attempts a review of the status of each of these. (Author)

A list of nine recommendations is put forth with regard to standardized achievement tests. Its rationale is based on the need for fair and effective assessment processes that can be used for diagnosing and prescribing for the needs of individual children. (Author/AM)

This study investigates whether item characteristic curves are the same for black students as for white students in the United States. The data analyzed were the answer sheets of 2269 black students and 2285 white students taking the 85-item Verbal Section of the College Board's Scholastic Aptitude Test. The study of item characteristic curves is…

Argues that the Coleman results make a great deal more sense when the test score results are interpreted as reflecting aptitude instead of achievement. (Author/ROF)

Biased tests systematically favor some groups over others as a result of factors not part of what the test is said to measure. Bias is basically a problem of differential validity. Validity can be discussed in terms of either the procedures for establishing it or test use. Both ways clarify bias in any test. For content and construct validity, the…

The three papers provided here were presented at the GRE Board Research Seminar: (1) "Background, Purpose, and Scope of the GRE Board Research Program" by Bryce Crawford, Jr.; (2) "Predicting Success in Graduate Education" by Warren W. Willingham; and (3) "Research on Testing and the Minority Student" by Ronald L.…

Test anxiety scores from a 15-item internally consistent instrument were correlated with performance on an aggregate science test administered to 171 fourth- and 187 eight-grade students subdivided by sex and race. The interpretation of data possibly suggest that test anxiety is operating differentially for black and white students. (Author/PN)

This study attempts to detect the presence of either of 2 different categories of large-scale bias in 4 widely used mathematics achievement tests: induced bias and norming bias. Subjects were 407 eighth graders. (IAH)

The background out of which "truth in testing" legislation arose is reviewed in this report, which also describes existing state and federal testing legislation, details arguments raised in hearings on the legislation, analyzes the legal issues raised, and provides a framework for simplifying the arguments and gathering more information.…

A brief introduction to the topic of gender bias and fairness in testing is provided. A test is biased if men and women with the same ability levels tend to obtain different scores. The conditions under which a test is administered, the wording of individual test items, and a student's attitude toward the test can affect test results. While gender…

Black, Puerto Rican, Chicano, native American and low income white children represent the vast educational underclass who are most likely to be affected by test misuse or abuse. More than 50 million American children take at least three standardized tests a year, it is estimated. Of these an estimated ten percent are subjected to and are damaged…

Test publishers and the users of standardized IQ and summary-score achievement tests have failed to consider the problems associated with testing the minority child. Since the results of these tests are used to determine the education, economic, and social future of children, a harder look at the minority child's cultural background is essential.…

The testing of many American Indian children using standardized exams (achievement, aptitude, ability, and intelligence tests) developed for the majority American society represents a case of cross-cultural testing which is likely to produce invalid results in the form of underestimation of student performance. Requirements for obtaining accurate…

The strengths and weakness of standardized tests, and trends in achievement testing in the last 15 years are examined. The discussion of achievement tests includes survey, instructional, diagnostic, and basic skills tests, as well as tests used for formative and summative evaluation. Minimum competency tests are not examined in detail. Advantages…

Results of teacher ratings of test questions, performance of students, and analyses of achievement test scores indicate that the College Board Science Achievement Tests are now equally appropriate for students in both regular and special courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. (MS)