Nonbiased Assessment: A Need for Operationalism

The current technical history of nonbiased assessment is highlighted. Definitions of fairness and experts' attempts to alleviate problems associated with bias in assessment are reviewed. Factors relating to nonbiased assessment are emphasized that normally do not receive sufficient attention. Decisions currently made as a result of the assessment process are reviewed and an examination made of how decisions based on inappropriate evaluation can negate the validity of the assessment process. Finally, the utility of many recent efforts to resolve the problems of bias in assessment is questioned and it is suggested that very basic systematic changes are needed before real progress can be made in reducing bias in assessment.