Correcting Fallacies about Educational and Psychological Testing » (New Edition)

"Standardized testing bears the twin burden of controversy and complexity and is difficult for many to understand either dispassionately or technically. In response to this reality, Richard P. Phelps and a team of well-noted measurement specialists describe the current state of public debate about testing across fields, explain and refute the primary criticisms of testing, acknowledge the limitations and undesirable consequences of testing, provide suggestions for improving testing practices, and present a vigorous defense of testing as well as a practical vision for its promise and future." Those who are charged with translating the science of testing into public information and policy - including administrators, social scientists, test publishers, professors, and journalists who specialize in education and psychology - will find a wealth of valuable information here with which to balance the debate.

Caven S. Mcloughlin & Heather Doyle - Education Review

This book addresses virtually all the condemnations that typically are cited in a manner that would be understandable to a layperson while not compromising the quality of the content. Consequently, students and practitioners in the fields of the education and psychology are presented with an informed view of how testing is generally negatively perceived and shown where evidence exists to disprove the misperceptions. While it is commonplace for professionals in education and psychology to hear criticisms of testing, we often do not take the time to contemplate the origin of the criticism. Correcting Fallacies provides a persuasive, accessible and altogether unbiased view of testing, founded on empirical evidence rather than languishing in opinion. Correcting Fallacies covers a hot topic in a manner that is both thought-provoking and informative.

Foreword Thomas Oakland Oakland, Thomas

Introduction Richard P. Phelps Phelps, Richard P. 3

Ch. 1 Logical Fallacies Used to Dismiss the Evidence on Intelligence Testing Linda S. Gottfredson Gottfredson, Linda S. 11

Ch. 2 Psychological Diagnostic Testing: Addressing Challenges in Clinical Applications of Testing Janet F. Carlson Carlson, Janet F. Kurt F. Geisinger Geisinger, Kurt F. 67

Ch. 3 Educational Achievement Testing: Critiques and Rebuttals Richard P. Phelps Phelps, Richard P. 89

Ch. 4 College Admission Testing: Myths and Realities in an Age of Admissions Hype Wayne J. Camara Camara, Wayne J. 147

Ch. 5 Criticisms of Employment Testing: A Commentary Ernest H. O'Boyle, Jr. O'Boyle, Ernest H., Jr. Michael A. McDaniel McDaniel, Michael A. 181

Ch. 6 Mission - Protect the Public: Licensure and Certification Testing in the 21st Century Stephen G. Sireci Sireci, Stephen G. Ronald K. Hambleton Hambleton, Ronald K. 199

Ch. 7 Mistaken Impressions of Large-Scale Cognitive Diagnostic Testing Jacqueline P. Leighton Leighton, Jacqueline P. 219

Ch. 8 Summary and Discussion Richard P. Phelps Phelps, Richard P. Linda S. Gottfredson Gottfredson, Linda S. 247

Glossary 257

Author Index 265

Subject Index 273