Chapter 19: Test Bias

Question 1

Defining Bias

Answer 1

Unqualified individualism: “Best” person gets the job
-Bias: NOT the best person gets the job

Quotas: Equal population proportions and membership proportions
-Bias- unequal proportions

Qualified individualism: “Best” person gets the job while recognizing race, gender, etc.
-Bias: not recognizing demographic factors

Question 2

Test Bias, Theoretically

Answer 2

• We all strive for equality… but tests show differences between people
• Sometimes, differences in scores reflect differences in knowledge; sometimes… test bias

Test Bias: test scores reflect differences in anything except it’s construct

Question 3

A Visual Depiction of Bias

Answer 3

• Isodensity curve: ellipse around regression line (like a visual CI)
• Bias: different relationship between test and criterion in each group

Question 4

Differential Validity

Answer 4

Different test scores mean different things for two groups

Test is not biased

• It just reflects different things for different races
• SAT scores correlate for first year college GPA for whiles and not for minorities

Question 5

Item Bias

Answer 5

Specific items are easier for one group

• Because the test asks questions only one group knows
• Or questions tap into knowledge for only one group (wording)

Statistical analysis used:
-Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis

Question 6

G

Answer 6

• Intelligence tests are most important predictor of life success
• No consideration for any other factor in decision-making
• Used intelligence to assess approximately 12,000 youths
• Related to ASVAT (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Test) -> not an intelligence test

Question 7

Develop Culture Specific Tests

Answer 7

Made for minority students
-The Chitling Test
\+Tests culture and environment-specific knowledge
\+Performance: AA > Whites
\+But poor/untested validity

Goal: Distinguish between ignorance and stupidity

Question 8

Interpret Data Differently

Answer 8

-Scores reflect different problem solving techniques, not intelligence
-Goldman: Differential Process Theory
+Problem-solving techniques mediate abilities and performance
-Potential support: Native Americans and Latinos
+Visual-reasoning tests > verbal-learning tests

Question 9

Change the Environment

Answer 9

• Change social/cultural environment of poor test-performers
• Tests are bearers of bad news, not inherently flawed themselves
• Evidence: high r: SAT scores and income