Fairness in Testing: Summary

Occupational tests, correctly selected and administered can be an invaluable aid to selection and development decisions. However they can be a potential source of indirect discrimination if they are not used with proper care. It is the responsibility of every test user to ensure that the tests selected for use are relevant to the assessment issue and psychometrically robust enough to ensure that they discriminate between people only on the basis of the attributes that are pertinent to the assessment. All test takers are unique individuals who will have various concerns and special needs relating to the testing process. It is the responsibility of the test user to give test-takers every opportunity to voice concerns or give information about special needs. This is best done by sending out a letter prior to the test session which explains how and why tests are being used and which invites test takers to communicate any concerns or special needs. Where the test taker is unsure how to address special needs, the individual concerned should be consulted. Where the test taker is unsure as to how any adjustments might impact on the interpretation of the test, the test publisher should be consulted.

The priority in any assessment context is to give every individual test taker equal opportunity to demonstrate the attributes that are relevant to the assessment issue.

 Written by Wendy Lord: Chief Psychologist, Hogrefe-Cranbrook Learning Centre.

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