True or False
True or false: A test can be statistically reliable and still be biased
true
This racial group was disproportionately labeled as “mentally r*******” due to biased IQ testing in California, leading to the Larry P. v. Riles case
Black/African American students
When a test’s content reflects the experiences and knowledge of one cultural group over others, disadvantaging those from different backgrounds, what type of bias is this?
Cultural Bias
This case led to the banning of IQ tests for Black students in California public school
Larry P vs. Riles
This test is commonly used for college admissions and has long been criticized for racial bias
SAT
TRUE OR FALSE: The SAT scores of Black and Hispanic students are primarily lower due to a lack of intelligence compared to other groups.
False — The lower average scores are linked to factors like test content, access to resources, and systemic inequalities, not intelligence.
These students may struggle on tests written in English even if they understand the content.
English language learners (ELLs)
If a test consistently favors students from higher-income families due to access to prep courses, tutoring, and advanced coursework, what type of bias is being demonstrated?
Socioeconomic bias
This case involved written tests that disproportionately failed Black applicants looking to work in the Washington, D.C. police department
Washington vs. Davis
This college admissions test has been said to favor those with access to prep resources
ACT
TRUE OR FALSE: Gender bias in test content is only present when questions explicitly mention gender.
False — Gender bias can be subtle, such as when math problems reinforce stereotypes or when women’s academic performance is underpredicted.
This group is often disadvantaged on standardized tests due to lack of access to prep courses, tutors, and other costly resources
Low income/socioeconomic status students
When a test underpredicts women’s academic performance despite their higher classroom achievements, what type of bias is this an example of?
Gender bias
In this case, the court ruled that a test resulting in disproportionate failure rates among Black applicants wasn’t discriminatory unless there was proof of intentional bias, setting a precedent for how courts interpret discrimination in standardized testing.
Washington vs. Davis
The graduate-level test has been accused on under predicting the success of minority students
GRE