What is it about?
There are five definitions of "test bias" in the literature: (1) mean scores differences between groups of people, (2) different correlations between test scores and a criterion score, (3) differential item functioning, (4) different test factor structures for groups, and (5) unequal consequences of test use across groups. This article explains each of these definitions and shows why 2-4 and sometimes 5 are accepted among testing professionals, but #1 is not.
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Why is it important?
Test bias is one of the most frequently misunderstood concepts in psychology. I wrote this article to help clarify people's confusion. It boggles my mind that a topic that has been understood by testers for 25+ years is so frequently misunderstood by people in related fields.
Perspectives
Test bias is one of the most frequently misunderstood concepts in psychology. I wrote this article to help clarify people's confusion. This is my first article published in an APA journal. I'm proud that the third author is an undergraduate student.
Dr Russell T. Warne
Independent Scholar
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Exploring the various interpretations of “test bias”., Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, January 2014, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/a0036503.
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