Group tests of ability commonly used in Australia, together with their test manuals, were compared with the Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests (American Psychological Association, 1974), in order to determine whether the tests meet the standards when used in Australia. The requirements described in the standards are in three categories, essential, very desirable, and desirable, and most of the tests failed even to meet many of the essential requirements. Lack of satisfactory normative and validity data was a common fault, and since these data are essential for proper use, the implications are serious unless test users gather their own data. Some factors that may be responsible for deficiences in Australian tests are discussed, with suggestions for improvement.
Journal description