The Petersen-Novick paper dealing with culture fair selection (TM 502 259) is the basis for this article. The author proposes a perspective in which ideas can be lined up for comparison and suggests solutions to the problems of selection in employment. (DEP)

Testing is one means of viewing differences among individuals. Culture is another means. When we mix testing and culture together, the results are fascinating and often confusing. Generally, we test individuals in an attempt either to serve them or reward them, and if we want to reward people, there is a strong desire and need to be fair. However,…

The paper summarizes the concept of discrimination underlying the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines on employment testing and the guidelines basic requirements. The desirability of applying them to age discrimination and the difficulties involved are illustrated and discussed. (Author/AG)

Presentation at a one-day symposium on the History of Intelligence Testing and Its Public Policy Implications, March 23, 1973, Southern Regional Council, Atlanta, Ga. (RJ)

Administered form A of the Boehm Test of Basic Concepts (BTBC) to kindergartners (N=180). Neither mean scores nor standard deviations differed significantly, and boys and girls had identical score distributions. Internal criteria for bias yielded totally negative results, showing no evidence of sex differences or sex bias. (Author/WAS)

A linear utility model is introduced for optimal selection where several subpopulations of applicants are to be distinguished. Using this model, procedures are described for obtaining optimal cutting scores in subpopulations in quota-free as well as quota-restricted selection situations. The procedures are demonstrated with empirical data.…

Current efforts to reduce bias in assessment and placement of children with special needs has included the development of new testing procedures, use of adaptive behavior scales, use of criterion referenced measures, and interpretation of test results using local or special group norms. (SBH)

The current technical history of nonbiased assessment for children with suspected handicapping conditions is highlighted. Definitions of fairness and experts' attempts to alleviate problems associated with bias in assessment are reviewed. Factors relating to nonbiased assessment are emphasized that normally do not receive sufficient attention.…

The Kahn Intelligence Test, Experimental Form and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children were administered to three groups of Spanish surname children of varying language dominance to determine if the Kahn test is freer of cultural bias. Results suggest that the tests are not different in their cultural bias. (Author/JKS)

Discusses a proposal by the president of the University of California system to drop the SAT from admissions criteria, seen by many as a way to increase diversity without affirmative action. Explores the reactions of faculty and other institutions. (EV)

Internal measures of differential functioning of items and tests (DFIT) based on item response theory (IRT) are proposed. The new differential test functioning index leads to noncompensatory DIF indices. Monte Carlo studies demonstrate that these indices are accurate in assessing DIF. (SLD)

Article examines whether assessments create, or merely reflect, between-group differences in cognitive abilities and achievement. It explores why school psychologists resist the conclusion that group differences are real, and considers the types of research and knowledge needed to move the discussion of assessment bias past its current…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the robustness of estimated growth curve models when there is stationary autocorrelation among manifest variable errors. The results suggest that when, in practice, growth curve models are fitted to longitudinal data, alternative rival hypotheses to consider would include growth models that also specify…

Sample-size restrictions limit the contingency table approaches based on asymptotic distributions, such as the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) procedure, for detecting differential item functioning (DIF) in many practical applications. Within this framework, the present study investigated the power and Type I error performance of empirical and inferential…