# Culturally/Racially Biased Standardized Tests? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [March 23, 2000, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/culturally-racially-biased-standardized-tests/17815 "2000-03-23T09:07:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Bored2001](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47774/32.png) [@Bored2001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bored2001)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2000, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/culturally-racially-biased-standardized-tests/17815/21 "2000-03-26T21:24:00Z")
Ok, time for my stab at this… i’m following too many threads… ack 😛 > [@](#): > > I also remember taking standardized tests in school that had questions about football > scoring. Most standardized tests have throughly tried to eliminate questions such as these. This is one of the purposes of the experimental section on the SAT’s > [@](#): > > The Gender Gap: The SAT consistently underpredicts the performance of females in > college and overpredicts the performance of males. and > [@](#): > > In a way, you’re accepting the Bell Curve assuption that certain groups are just inferior genetically and CAN’T succeed. Most people hate me for bringing this up, but Men are better at math, period. No discussion. It is a proven fact. Men’s brains are basically better hardwired for the job. Women’s are generally better at linguistics. If you want me to explain the evolution behind this, mail me. > [@](#): > > Mathematics tests in other countries that require solutions to long problems appeared unbiased with respect to gender. Leveling effect. Generally those who attempt those problems understand it. This is generally a stronger influence then brain “hardware”. > [@](#): > > Bilingual Students: The speeded nature of the SAT imposes an unfair burden on students for whom English is not the first language. BS. You can apply for time extensions if you are sufficently handicapped by something. > [@](#): > > Stereotype Vulnerability: Several studies show that female and minority students who > are aware of racial and gender stereotypes score lower on tests such as the SAT which purport to measure academic aptitude. Psychology. besides that, I’d like to see you control what people say. > [@](#): > > An example: Take the College AP Calculus AB exam. I got the lowest mark in my high > school calc class, but still got 5/5 on the exam, having walked in an hour late. DEAR GOD!(and i’m an atheist =) ) You walked in an hour late and got a 5 on the AP calculus test??? Can I borrow that brain of yours on may 14? > [@](#): > > boat:marina :: race car:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ > a: engine > b: fast > c: garage > d: gasoline Be damned if I ever saw that on the SAT’s Anyway, those kind of “biased” questions mostly(not completely) elimited from standardized tests. Once again, a fruit of the experimental section on the SAT’s. > [@](#): > > it simply is a bit more difficult > when dealing with unfamiliar subjects. You may have to read the question twice for > rugby, where you could comprehend the football question in one read. Well, duh =) But you can’t exactly account for every single variable now can you? > [@](#): > > If a student is not going to be able to finish a test in the time allotted, then it makes a big difference how quickly s/he can comprehend the questions. See above(time extensions)…also Comprehension of problems is part of the SAT’s. They don’t test you on what you know, but rather IF you know. > [@](#): > > work hard or don’t: it has been shown conclusively that students who took > SAT (etc) test prep courses score WAY better. These courses, until recently, have > only been available privately, at some cost. Poor kids can’t afford these, so weathy > kids score better. Hard work is good, but not always everything. True enough, but there are books and free tutoring programs. But that doesn’t help the vast majority since human beings are by nature lazy animals =) _points to himself_ In conclusion I say the tests ARE biased, but only to things that the test makers simply can not control. ~bored2001 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/culturally-racially-biased-standardized-tests/17815.md?page=1)