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Statistical Issues Raised by Title IX Requirements on Admission Procedures

Author(s):
Reed, Cheryl Wild
Publication Year:
1976
Report Number:
RB-76-25
Source:
ETS Research Bulletin
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
22
Subject/Key Words:
Admission Criteria, College Admission, Prediction, Sex Discrimination, Statistical Bias

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss statistical issues raised by Title IX requirements on selection and admission procedures. Literature is reviewed which indicates that prediction systems used for selecting students into college do frequently differ for males and females. Usually women's criterion scores are underpredicted using regression equations developed from combined groups of males and females. Major field of study, sufficiency of the predictor battery, and systematic differences in male and female samples are discussed as possible reasons for differences in regression equations. It is concluded that admissions procedures that use a single regression equation developed from a combined male and female group may be unfair to female college applicants. Methods for investigating and minimizing unfair selection procedures are discussed. (22pp.)

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