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The Impact of Extended Time on SAT Test Performance SAT

Author(s):
Mandinach, Ellen B.; Bridgeman, Brent; Laitusis, Cara Cahalan; Trapani, Catherine
Publication Year:
2005
Report Number:
RR-05-20
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
35
Subject/Key Words:
SAT, Extended Time, Test Accommodations, Test Speededness, Learning Disabilities, Test Performance, Assessing People with Disabilities

Abstract

The effects of extended time on SAT Reasoning Test™ performance are examined. The study explored the impact of providing standard time, time and a half (1.5 time) with and without specified section breaks, and double time without specified sections breaks on the verbal and mathematics sections of the SAT®. Difference among ability, disability, and gender groups were examined. Results indicated that time and a half with separately timed sections benefits students with and without disabilities. Some extra time improves performance, but too much may be detrimental. Extra time benefits medium- and high-ability students but provides little or no advantage to low-ability students. The effects of extended time are more pronounced for the mathematics section of the SAT. The implications for potential changes to the SAT and the need for future research are discussed.

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