The item and test statistics from two groups of inner-city high school youths revealed several distinctive patterns when they were contrasted with the Routine group towards which the test was directed. Specific differences between the Special and Routine groups were found regarding reactions to speededness, cautiousness (item omission), and attractiveness of different types of items. When these results are viewed in reference to the theory of test construction and the proper interpretation of test performance, it is apparent that these Special populations cannot be regarded as simply a diminished version of the Routine populations. The interpretation here is that different processes are being tapped in these divergent populations.