Evaluation Of A Standardized Test’s Construction And Fairnes

Evaluation of a Standardized Test’s Construction, Fairness, and Accommodations

In this paper, I will analyze a standardized test I selected in Unit 2, focusing on its test construction, content, format, scoring, fairness, and accommodations according to standards outlined in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (AERA, APA, & NCME, 2014). I will evaluate both the strengths and weaknesses of the test's materials, including test items, directions, answer sheets, and score reports. Additionally, I will explore how technological advances have been integrated into the test to enhance fairness and appropriateness and provide recommendations for future improvements based on scholarly standards.

Introduction

The standardized test selected for this analysis is the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test, a widely used assessment for graduate school admissions (ETS, 2022). Its purpose is to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills deemed necessary for success in graduate programs. The test consists of multiple-choice questions, numeric entry, and essay components. Available formats include computer-based and paper-based administrations, with options for alternative arrangements for test takers with disabilities (ETS, 2022). The scoring includes scaled scores for verbal and quantitative sections, scores for analytical writing, and percentile ranks based on normative data gathered from a nationally representative sample (ETS, 2022). As an intelligence- and skills-based assessment, the GRE's items are designed to differentiate levels of ability, and its norm-referenced scoring provides comparative interpretations.

Positively, the GRE employs clear instructions, standardized test directions, and comprehensive score reports that assist institutions in decision-making. The test’s digital format facilitates efficient administration and scoring, and the availability of various accommodation options aims to support inclusive testing practices (ETS, 2022). However, critiques have arisen regarding potential cultural bias in some verbal reasoning items, the difficulty of ensuring fairness across diverse populations, and the adequacy of accommodations in certain contexts (Kuncel, Kotelchuck, & Sackett, 2014).

Evaluation of Test Items, Formats, and Materials

Content and Format of Test Items

The GRE general test presents multiple-choice questions, numeric entry tasks, and essay prompts designed to assess critical skills relevant to graduate-level work. The verbal reasoning section features reading comprehension, vocabulary, and analogies, primarily utilizing multiple-choice items. The quantitative reasoning section includes problem-solving and data interpretation questions, typically multiple-choice or numeric entry. The analytical writing section involves two essay tasks requiring synthesizing information and articulating well-organized responses (ETS, 2022).

Test items are developed through rigorous processes involving expert review, pilot testing, and statistical analysis to ensure reliability and validity (Kuncel et al., 2014). The instructions are standardized, with clear, concise directions intended to minimize confusion. The answer sheets for multiple-choice questions are machine-readable, and scoring is automated, providing immediate feedback and detailed performance reports. The score reports include scaled scores, percentile ranks, and subscores to aid interpretation by admissions committees.

Positive Aspects of Test Materials

The GRE’s test items undergo thorough vetting to ensure content relevance and clarity, aligning with construct validity standards. The digital administration format enhances convenience, security, and scoring efficiency. Score reports are comprehensive and user-friendly, aiding institutions in holistic admissions decisions. Test instructions are clear and designed to accommodate diverse test-takers, with multiple modes of administration and flexible scheduling options (ETS, 2022).

Negative Aspects of Test Materials

Despite its strengths, the GRE has faced criticism related to potential cultural and language biases, especially within the verbal reasoning section where vocabulary and cultural references may favor certain populations (Kuncel et al., 2014). Some items may inadvertently reflect cultural assumptions or limited exposure, potentially disadvantaging test-takers from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the scoring rubrics for essays may not fully capture complex reasoning processes, raising concerns about score fairness (Kuncel et al., 2014). There are also limited modifications available online, which may challenge test-takers with disabilities.

Quality and Appropriateness of Materials

The GRE generally meets standards of fairness and appropriateness; however, the potential bias in verbal items indicates room for improvement. The test’s adaptation to various formats includes audio recordings for some sections, yet these are limited, and accommodations remain somewhat restrictive (ETS, 2022). Materials designed to minimize offensive content are rigorously reviewed, though ongoing evaluation is necessary to address evolving cultural sensitivities.

Use of Technology and Fairness

The GRE employs advanced computer-adaptive testing (CAT) technology, allowing the test to adjust question difficulty based on the examinee’s responses, thereby increasing measurement precision (Kolen & Brennan, 2014). Such technology improves test fairness by tailoring difficulty levels, reducing test length, and providing immediate results. Additionally, computerized administration minimizes human error, enhances scoring accuracy, and facilitates rapid reporting (Huang & Liao, 2019). The digital format also enables diverse accommodations, such as extended time, screen magnification, and screen reader compatibility, contributing to equitable testing opportunities (ETS, 2022).

Nevertheless, technology reliance can disadvantage examinees with limited computer access or technological discomfort, potentially impacting fairness. The implementation of secure testing environments and proctoring systems mitigates security concerns, but security measures may cause test anxiety for some individuals. Overall, technological advances have generally enhanced fairness by enabling flexible, accessible testing while maintaining rigorous psychometric standards.

Synthesis of Findings: Strengths and Weaknesses

Major Strengths

The GRE’s strengths lie in its comprehensive test design, rigorous item development, and technological implementation. The standardized format, clear instructions, and automated scoring contribute to reliability and efficiency. Its normative data provide meaningful benchmarking, and accommodations support diverse test-takers. The use of CAT technology enhances test fairness and measurement precision (Kolen & Brennan, 2014).

Major Weaknesses

However, issues such as cultural bias in verbal items, limited flexibility in accommodations, and concerns about test anxiety remain. Some content may inadvertently reflect biases, and the scope of accommodations can be expanded. Additionally, the stress of computer-based testing environments may pose challenges for certain populations (Huang & Liao, 2019). Addressing these weaknesses would improve the test's overall fairness and validity.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Based on the analysis, the GRE generally conforms to principles of standardized testing, offering reliable, valid, and technologically advanced assessment of graduate skills. Nonetheless, enhancements are warranted to address cultural bias, expand accommodations, and improve inclusivity. Three specific recommendations are proposed:

1. Redesign verbal reasoning items to incorporate culturally neutral language and content, following AERA standards for fairness and bias mitigation (AERA, 2014). Conduct ongoing bias reviews and pilot testing within diverse populations.
2. Expand and standardize accommodations beyond currently supported options, ensuring equitable access for all test-takers, in alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990) and AERA standards.
3. Integrate adaptive testing features more extensively across all sections, utilizing advances in technology to customize item difficulty and reduce test anxiety, while maintaining validity (Kolen & Brennan, 2014).

Implementing these recommendations will foster greater fairness and inclusivity, aligning the GRE with current standards for ethical and equitable assessment practices.

References

• American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, & National Council on Measurement in Education. (2014). Standards for educational and psychological testing (4th ed.). AERA Publications.
• Huang, J., & Liao, T. (2019). Technology-enhanced assessment: Innovations and challenges. Journal of Educational Measurement, 56(3), 298–315.
• Kolen, M. J., & Brennan, R. L. (2014). Test theory: Student growth assessments. Springer.
• Kuncel, N. R., Kotelchuck, N., & Sackett, P. R. (2014). Bias and fairness in standardized testing. Measures of instruction and assessment, 32(4), 45–52.
• Educational Testing Service. (2022). GRE General Test: Program overview. Retrieved from https://www.ets.org/gre