PSYC37H3 Chapter 6: Chapter 6.docx
Document Summary
Chapter 6 topic 6b test bias and other controversies. Test bias is an objective, empirical question, not a matter of personal judgment. Test bias is a technical concept of amenable to impartial analysis. In contrast, test fairness reflects social values and philosophies of test use, particularly when test use extends to selection for privilege or employment. The test bias controversy has its origins in the observed differences in average iq among various racial and ethnic groups (african americans on standardized iq tests). The proof of test bias however must rest on other criteria listed below. Test bias refers to objective statistical indices that examine the patterning of test scores for relevant subpopulations. In general, a test is considered biased if it is differentially valid in different subpopulations. In contrast to the narrow concept of test bias, test fairness is a broad concept that recognizes the importance of social values in test usage.
