Examining Social Consequences of Standardized Admission Tests: A Literature Review and Suggestions for Practice (Poster 32)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 10:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Measurement, Psychometrics, and Assessment: Poster Session I

Abstract

Standardized admission tests receive significant criticism for deepening existing disparities in educational access and opportunity, particularly for marginalized communities. In this paper, we review existing literature on the social consequences of standardized admission tests used in American institutions. Using three databases—ERIC, Academic Search Premier, and APA PsycInfo—as well as examining test developers’ websites, we identified the social consequences of admission tests as reported in previous studies and the data sources used to investigate these consequences. The search revealed a lack of studies on testing consequences. Based on the review, we highlighted the need for more research on this topic and suggested strategies for examining the social consequences of testing.

Authors

• Tram-Anh Tran Nguyen, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Stephen G. Sireci, University of Massachusetts - Amherst