The chapter contains increased emphasis on validity evidence based on the response process, validity generalization, and the consequences of testing. New requirements include requiring evidence that practice and coaching do not affect test scores, requiring evidence to support claims of the benefits of testing, and investigation of unintended consequences of test use. Some standards on criterion-related validation studies were deleted from this chapter compared to the 1985 standards. Chapter 2 is on Reliability and Measurement Error. Chapter 3 is on Test Development.
Considerable attention is given to performance assessment.
It includes a requirement for sensitivity reviews of tests by a diverse panel. Test content should assure that inferences for all groups are valid. More documentation is required. Test users must train raters and ensure adequate reliability. Chapter 4 on Scales, Norms, and Score Comparability contains increased emphasis on linkages, adaptive testing, cut scores, and standard setting.