ERIC Number: EJ956070
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Feb
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0013-1644
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Multigroup Generalizability Analysis of Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal Ability Tests for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
Lakin, Joni M.; Lai, Emily R.
Educational and Psychological Measurement, v72 n1 p139-158 Feb 2012
For educators seeking to differentiate instruction, cognitive ability tests sampling multiple content domains, including verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning, provide superior information about student strengths and weaknesses compared with unidimensional reasoning measures. However, these ability tests have not been fully evaluated with respect to fairness and validity for English-language learners (ELL). In particular, reliability is an important aspect of validity that has not been sufficiently evaluated. In this study, multivariate generalizability methodologies were used to explore the differential reliability of the Cognitive Abilities Test across ELL and non-ELL students in two schools with large Hispanic populations. Results suggest that verbal and quantitative reasoning skills are measured less precisely for ELL students than for non-ELL students. However, the composite score of the three batteries showed strong reliability in both groups. We conclude that multidimensional tests provide reliable information about the academic strengths of ELL and non-ELL students, though further research is needed. (Contains 6 tables, 1 figure, and 8 notes.)
Descriptors: Aptitude Tests, Nonverbal Ability, Cognitive Ability, Verbal Ability, Test Reliability, Test Validity, English Language Learners, Hispanic American Students, White Students, Test Bias, Generalizability Theory, Measurement, Grade 3, Grade 4, Elementary School Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 3; Grade 4
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Cognitive Abilities Test
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A