Tests and Testing in a Multiethnic Society

Abstract

Educational and psychological measurement, assessment or testing — whichever words we decide to use — has been the target of much criticism in the last two decades. There are many, both within and outside the social sciences, who often express their scepticism concerning the principles of test construction and interpretation of test results. Another issue debated in many parts of the world today is the impact of tests on educational programmes. These issues apply with particular force to the area of race relations research or measurement in a multiethnic society where testing is viewed by many critics (including teachers, parents and administrators) as a dubious activity. However, their concern is not altogether trivial and unjustified.