Sex Bias in Educational Measurement: Fact or Fiction?

A study of content sex bias and sex role stereotypes in educational achievement tests and interest inventories was conducted. A word count of male nouns and pronouns and female nouns and pronouns was made for eight of the most frequently used educational achievement tests. Ratios of male to female nouns and pronouns were computed. The results show content bias in these tests, with mates typically referred to more frequently than females. Numerous examples of sex role stereotypes were also recorded. An examination of the Strong Vocational Interest Blank and the Ruder Occupational Interest Inventory showed that the range of occupations presented to women is restricted and tends to reflect sex role stereotypes. It is recommended that test publishers institute review procedures to provide a less streotyped view of women and that publishers of vocational interest inventories construct additional norm groups and provide more extensive occupational listings for women. Test users can help eliminate sex bias by being aware of it, by encouraging the development of unbiased tests, and by using educational tests in a nonstereotyped manner.