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A Comparison of the Predictive Validity of the Current SAT and an Experimental Prototype SAT

Author(s):
Hale, Gordon A.; Bridgeman, Brent; Lewis, Charles; Pollack, Judith M.; Wang, Ming-mei
Publication Year:
1992
Report Number:
RR-92-32
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
56
Subject/Key Words:
Predictive Validity, SAT I, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Test Validity

Abstract

As part of a large-scale project to remodel the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), this study examined the predictive validity of a prototype revised SAT, which incorporated many of the important structural changes planned for the test. This prototype was compared to a form of the current SAT with regard to several validity-related issues. The results showed that the test revisions (a) tended to increase predictive validity for the verbal score, the mathematical score, and the composite of verbal and mathematical scores; (b) slightly increased the incremental validity of the test over high school rank; and (c) produced a modest reduction in gender-related prediction differences for the verbal score. Also, inclusion of scores from a new writing test tended to increase validity and to reduce gender-related prediction differences. This evidence is regarded as preliminary, as the data were collected under experimental conditions with a limited sample of colleges, and the prototype used here was not identical in form to the remodeled SAT as it will be implemented operationally. Tentatively, however, the results were consistent with the goals of the overall project in that, where the present revisions had effects, they tended to be in the desired direction. (56pp.)

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