Bias and Ethical Reporting of ResultsIn the debate on the costs and benefits of using test scores to render decisions, opponents of tests have pointed out the intrinsic and extrinsic biases inherent i

Fairness in Testing PSY3700 Multimedia Assessment and Psychometrics ©20 16 South University 2 Fairness in Testing Bias and Fairness in Testing As noted by Rust and Golombok (2009), the definition and evaluation of fairness must be viewed through a wider lens that includes social and psychological perspectives. In many cases, test results may inevitably lead to unsound decisions in high -stakes settings. In the U.S., the use of psychometric tests is stringently controlled by standards of fairness that have been put in place through legislation. Unfor tunately, earlier forms of standardized tests of intelligence, such as the Stanford -Binet and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), contained biased items. The older versions of the tests have been banned for use in the U.S. and replaced wit h updated and revised versions of the same tests (Rust & Golombok, 2009). With the goal of fairness in mind, test users should effectively evaluate the extent to which group differences are the result of poorly written test items. When necessary, the choic e of modified or alternate forms of tests or administrative procedures is warranted (Kaplan & Saccuzzo, 2013). Gregory (2013) argued that test bias and test fairness are two different concepts. That is, he defined test bias to be reflected in objective sta tistical indices that show group differences in items that favor one group over the other. In contrast, test fairness is not a statistical concept but rather one based on values. Fairness is evaluated subjectively by the individual's internalized set of so cial values and belief in a just world. When these values and assumptions are violated, tests are deemed to be unfair as viewed through the eyes of the beholder. Finally, for Cohen and Swerdlik (2002), test fairness occurs when the use of tests leads to im partial and equitable decisions. As we can see, determining test bias is an objective process whereas there is disagreement over the discernment of test fairness. In the end, it may be up to our judicial system to make the final ruling as to the fairness o f any one test. PSY3700 Multimedia Assessment and Psychometrics ©20 16 South University 3 Fairness in Testing Bias and Fairness in Testing References Cohen, R., & Swerdlik, M. (2002). Psychological testing and assessment: An introduction to test and measurement (5th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw -Hill. Gregory, R. (2013). Psychological testing: History, principles, and applicatio ns (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. Kaplan, R., & Saccuzzo, D. (2013). Psychological testing: Principles, applications, & issues (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Rust, J., & Golombok, S. (2009). Modern psychometrics: The science of psychological assessmen t (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Taylor & Francis. © 201 6 South University