Dr.Waring teaches computer programming, and in the first class of the semester all the students complete the Spence Programming Aptitude Test (SPAT).Dr.Waring looks at the scores on the SPAT at the end of the semester, and over the past 8 years, Dr.Waring has found that the students who have scored the highest on the SPAT typically earn the highest grades in the class; the students who do poorly on the SPAT often fail to complete the course.Dr.Waring's research suggests that the SPAT:
A)has low validity
B)has been well standardized
C)has high validity
D)would have low test-retest reliability

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dr.Waring's research suggests that the SPAT has a high validity, since there is a significant correlation between scores on the test and grades in the class. This indicates that the test is measuring what it claims to measure (programming aptitude) and is a valid predictor of success in the course. The fact that Dr.Waring has found consistent results over the past 8 years also suggests that the test has good reliability, which would rule out choices A and D. The standardization of the test is not addressed in the given information, so it cannot be determined if choice B is accurate.

DrWaring Teaches Computer Programming, and in the First Class of the Semester