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How Reliable and Valid Is the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)?

Lee Middleton
MGMT 640, Assessment
Professor White
February 14, 2013
Abstract
In the world of today, assessments and tests are used as a means to distinguish the knowledge and ability of individuals. The Scholastic Assessment Test, more commonly known as the SAT, is a standardized test that is consistently used throughout the United States. The SAT is used by Universities and Colleges to gain an understanding of a particular student’s academic knowledge. With the SAT being used to determine a student’s future, it is essential that this test provides data that is both reliable and valid. This paper will investigate into the process of the SAT and provide detailed analysis of the tests’ validity and reliability. The examination of the SAT will explore the different aspects of the test and analyze the data that can be derived and interpreted by universities, colleges, professors, and the students themselves.

How Reliable and Valid Is the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)?
The SAT is a standardized test, administrated by the College Board, which most Universities and Colleges in the United States require in order to be accepted. The SAT test was first designed and used in 1901 and has undergone many substantial changes since then. The test is made of three sections; mathematics, critical reading, and writing. The four hour test includes a range of questions which all vary in difficulty. The purpose of this test is primarily to judge the level of education each student has and whether they are at a sufficient level in order to meet the educational requirements of a particular college. Different colleges set different SAT requirement scores and therefore a SAT score can determine a student’s future and the likelihood of being accepted into the colleges of their choice.
As it stands today, the SAT is still predominantly used

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