A theory is a logically proven and self-consistent explanation or prediction that is derived from facts, hypotheses, or other theories. Every theory begins with the facts or phenomena and incorporates hypotheses and logical rules and constructs as precepts that lead to expanded and self-consistent logical constructs.
In the previous chapter, we discussed independent events. Independent events are events probability that does not depend on the occurrence of some other events. If we toss a fair coin, the probability of heads and tails does not depend on the results of the previous flips of the coin. Thus, a coin tossing is an independent event.
This book offers students a step-by-step guide to building and implementing entrepreneurial vision including clear case examples and worksheets.
Any research starts with a question, the answer to which is unknown or unavailable. The research is completed when the answer is found. Carefully selecting and developing the research problem and then clearly and accurately stating it are critical steps in the research process. These steps should include selecting a manageable portion of the research area or topic for study. Clearly, accurately, and unambiguously stated research problem is easier to solve. One can say “a problem well put is a problem half solved.”
The 4/5ths rule is not a psychometric method of detecting test bias. However, it is an extremely important rule to know for any employment testing situation. The 4/5ths rule is described in the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures, and these guidelines are given "great deference" in legal proceedings. The rule states that "A selection rate for any race, sex, or ethnic group which is less than four-fifths (4/5) (or eighty percent) of the rate for the group with the highest rate will generally be regarded by the Federal enforcement agencies as evidence of adverse impact, while a greater than four-fifths rate will generally not be regarded by Federal enforcement agencies as evidence of adverse impact." This definition is somewhat difficult to understand, so the chapter walks through several examples to more clearly demonstrate when the rule is, and is not, violated.
Law is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior, wherever possible.
This chapter covers Anne Clear’s model of differential test prediction. Differential prediction is the most widely understood and widely used approach to test bias. Under the differential prediction model, different average test scores for groups are not bias. Instead, a poorly fitting overall regression line is an indication of bias. If fitting regression lines individually to subgroups substantially improve our accuracy, then there is test bias. In such a situation, the test predicts differently for each subgroup. To complicate the matter, the 1991 Civil Rights Act requires that a single overall regression line be used when predicting. This causes increased measurement error beyond what we would have if we used the best fitting model. This can create systematic over- and underprediction for the subgroups and lead to unexpected results.
This book introduces test bias from a psychometric perspective in an intuitive non-mathematical manner with quizzes, discussion questions and slides.
You have completed your research. Now you should deliver the results. If your research results, including all your findings, conclusions, recommendations, and predictions, are not properly delivered, nobody would be aware of it and nobody would be able to use it. Then, most likely, all your efforts in conducting the research would get wasted.
The entire purpose of testing is to differentiate among people. Its basic assumption is that we are not all equal – in terms of what is being measured. Inevitably, some people will receive results that they do not like, and this often makes people uncomfortable or fearful of testing. Fortunately, knowledge is a great antidote to fear. Simply having a better understanding of tests and test bias can alleviate a lot of this fear and uncomfortableness. This book aims to educate non-psychometricians about tests and test bias. To do this, we need to first answer some basic questions. Thus, ► Chap. 1 answers the four following questions that will set the stage: (1) What are tests and why are they used? (2) What is bias and what is fairness? (3) Why do we seek to reduce bias? And (4) what can you expect to get out of this book?
