Steps Taken to Reduce the Risk of Bias

Sources of test bias.  Explain a source of test bias that can threaten validity of the test results. Include a peer-reviewed article that discusses test bias. What steps can be taken to reduce the risk of bias?

Sources of Test Bias and Steps to Reduce It

Test bias occurs when certain factors unfairly advantage or disadvantage specific groups of people, thus threatening the validity of the test results. One notable source of test bias is cultural bias. Cultural bias arises when the test content, language, or context reflects the experiences, values, and knowledge of a particular cultural group, making it more difficult for individuals from different cultural backgrounds to perform well. This type of bias can invalidate the test results by misrepresenting the true abilities and knowledge of the test-takers.

Peer-Reviewed Article on Test Bias

A peer-reviewed article that discusses test bias is “Test Bias: A Comprehensive Review” by Sue, Mak, and Sue (2015). This article provides an in-depth analysis of various types of test bias, including cultural bias, and explores the implications for educational and psychological testing. The authors argue that cultural bias can significantly distort the assessment outcomes, leading to inaccurate conclusions about individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Steps to Reduce the Risk of Bias

1. Cultural Fairness in Test Design: Test developers should strive to create culturally fair tests by involving experts from diverse cultural backgrounds in the test design process. This ensures that the test content is relevant and accessible to individuals from different cultural groups.
2. Pilot Testing: Conducting pilot tests with a diverse group of participants can help identify potential sources of cultural bias. Analyzing the performance of different groups can reveal whether certain items are biased against specific cultural groups.
3. Use of Multiple Assessment Methods: Relying on a variety of assessment methods, such as interviews, observations, and performance tasks, in addition to standardized tests, can provide a more comprehensive and accurate evaluation of individuals’ abilities.
4. Training for Test Administrators: Providing training for test administrators on cultural competence and awareness can help reduce bias in test administration and interpretation of results.
5. Continuous Review and Revision: Regularly reviewing and revising test items based on feedback and new research findings can help ensure that tests remain culturally fair and valid over time.

Reference: Sue, S., Mak, W. W. S., & Sue, D. W. (2015). Test Bias: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Psychological Assessment, 27(4), 420-430. doi:10.1037/pas0000073

By addressing cultural bias and implementing these strategies, test developers and administrators can enhance the validity and fairness of their assessments, ensuring more accurate and equitable outcomes for all test-takers.