DIFFERENCES IN OPINIONS REGARDING TESTING PRACTICES: THE ROLE OF AGE, GENDER, AND JOB SECTOR

Abstract

Tests are important tools that help psychologists to make decisions about people. In order to propose actions aimed at improving the use of tests, it is important to determine what factors relate to psychologists’ opinions about testing practices. In this study we assess the role of three factors: gender, age, and job sector (public vs. private). In addition, we compare practitioners’ opinions with those reported by professors of test-related subjects (psychometrics, and psychological and psycho- educational assessment). After analyzing a sample of 1,248 members of the Spanish Psychological Association and 95 professors from different universities, results show some differences in opinions across all the factors analyzed. Results and future challenges are discussed.

Keywords

• test use
• opinions about testing practices
• age
• gender
• job sector.