title: An examination of factors contributing to a reduction in subgroup differences on a constructed-response paper-and-pencil test of scholastic achievement.
abstract: The authors investigated subgroup differences on a multiple-choice and constructed-response test of scholastic achievement in a sample of 197 African American and 258 White test takers. Although both groups had lower mean scores on the constructed-response test, the results showed a 39% reduction in subgroup differences compared with the multiple-choice test. The results demonstrate that the lower subgroup differences were explained by more favorable test perceptions for African Americans on the constructed-response test. In addition, the two test formats displayed comparable levels of criterion-related validity. The results suggest that the constructed-response test format may be a viable alternative to the traditional multiple-choice test format in efforts to simultaneously use valid predictors of performance and minimize subgroup differences in high-stakes testing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. bedwards@auburn.edu
authors.forename: Bryan D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: Winfred
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Arthur
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D011584:Psychology / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires