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Test Construction Manipulating Score Differences Between Black and White Examinees: Properties of the Resulting Tests

Author(s):
Hackett, Rachelle Kisst; Holland, Paul W.; Pearlman, Mari; Thayer, Dorothy T.
Publication Year:
1987
Report Number:
RR-87-30
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
43
Subject/Key Words:
Black Students, Golden Rule, Item Analysis, Racial Differences, Test Bias, Test Construction, Testing Problems

Abstract

Test forms for two item types were developed that maximized or minimized the differences in average scores between Black and White examinees. The test forms were then administered to random samples of examinees along with conventionally constructed control forms. The results suggest that impact manipulation is possible while maintaining content specifications and average difficulty level. However, the distribution of item difficulties was altered as were the reliability of the experimental sections and the relationships of these sections to other parts of the test. (43pp.)

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