Cultural Bias in Testing


Definition of cultural bias: when test items require culture specific information (unrelated to the topic of the question) that interferes with an accurate measure of what the student has learned.

EXAMPLE:

Study the following questions selected from reading tests in Canada and determine if they are culturally biased then click on the button for answers.

Remember: The items purport to measure reading ability.

1. In the story, the French regarded potatoes as most Canadians regard:

a) spinach            b)  tomatoes            c)  horsemeat               d) margarine

 

 

2.     Pam went to the party with a tall pointed hat, long black cape, and a broom. She was dressed as a:

a) witch            b)ghost            c) cowgirl                d) pumpkin

 

 

 

3.     Sam and Bill played the whole day.  In the evening they felt:

a) rested            b)small            c) tired

 

 

Culture specific information must be taught or it should not be assessed.

 


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