Understanding External Indicators of Test Bias: Cultural, Linguistic, Socioeconomic, Disability, Gender, and Age Factors

What are external indicators of Test Bias

Correlations betw. test scores and variables external to the testPredictive Validity- No test bias ifthere is a correlation betw. the test score and the criterion the test is intended to measure

External indicators of test bias are those factors that may not be inherent in the test itself but may impact the test-taker’s performance. These factors include:

1. Culture: If a test is developed by and for individuals from a particular cultural or ethnic group, it may be biased against individuals from other cultures or ethnicities.

2. Language: Tests that are not available in the test-taker’s first language may be biased against them. Additionally, language barriers may prevent test-takers from understanding the questions or instructions.

3. Socioeconomic status: Tests that assume a certain level of education or background knowledge may be biased against individuals who come from less privileged backgrounds.

4. Disability status: If a test is not designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, it may be biased against them.

5. Gender: Tests that are written with a particular gender in mind, or that assume certain gender roles, may be biased against individuals who do not fit these assumptions.

6. Age: Tests that are not age-appropriate may be biased against individuals who are either too young or too old to take them.

Identifying and addressing external indicators of test bias is crucial to ensure fairness and accuracy in testing. Test-takers should have equal opportunities to demonstrate their abilities regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.

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