Test ethics cover both the creation and use of tests. For this Discussion, you concentrate on the implications of test misuse. These can relate to test use with diverse groups, licensure issues, adverse impact, or test security, to name a few.

Some important basic ethical principles regarding testing are as follows:

• The construction of tests needs to be done using appropriate psychometric procedures so that the test will provide valid measurement.
• When tests are used, they need to be properly selected. The test should be valid for the purpose used and should not be outdated. The selection should take into account the purpose of the testing and should also take into account the examinees language, culture, and disabilities.
• The test needs to be administered according to proper protocol in order to maintain standardization.
• The test needs to be interpreted and reported fairly, and the report needs to be stored properly. The responsible psychology professional should prevent misinterpretation and should prevent reporting that results in incorrect decisions or that causes the client unnecessary emotional harm. He or she should also protect the clients confidentiality.
• Test givers must maintain the security of test materials. Many tests, such as the Wechsler intelligence tests or the MMPI, have been developed over a period of decades. Public familiarity with these tests would destroy their usefulness. Test publishers generally have standards controlling who can buy and use their tests.
• A test has an adverse impact when it results in substantially different employment decisions (e.g., hiring, promotion, termination) for one group versus another group. This adverse impact is unlawful if there is no justification for it. For instance, some jobs might have tests of physical strength that result in fewer women being hired. The employer would need to demonstrate that physical strength is a legitimate job requirement.

To prepare for this Discussion, think of potential effects of tests not being administered, stored, or interpreted according to ethical principles. Consider the effects on both the individuals being tested and, potentially, the population at large.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 3 two potential effects of test misuse on individuals being tested and on the population at large. Support your answer with references to the APA Code of Ethics and other relevant standards.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

  

Respond to two classmates discussions. Responses should be at least 150 words each (put the word count in all responses). Replies should take the conversation further by adding questions or your own ideas in your replies. In addition, you can point out both strengths and areas of improvement on your peers’ submission. Strong posts will demonstrate understanding and connection to course materials.

Classmate #1: Shayla J Bichsel

Miner:

1:The Naciremas are essentially just the American people. Nacirema spelled backwards is American and Miner describes the American society as a tribe hat behaves in a particular way and performs strange rituals to extreme levels. Throughout this article Miner disguises certain things such as Americans, he also disguises a bathroom as a cleaning shrine, the medicine cabinet as a major device in the shrine, and a toothbrush as the hair on a stick.

2.I think that Miner employs this style of writing to show that Americans are ethnocentric people.

Lovely Hula Hands:

Norm: something that is usual, typical, or standard.

Value: the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.

Belief: an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists.

1. In Lovely Hula Hands by Trask she talks about how tourism in Hawaii has become a complete norm for all of the natives, tourists have been visiting Hawaii for so long that they have adapted their own ways in order to please only the tourists and to make a profit out of it, for example she talks about how hula dancing used to be a native dance but they turned it into a show for tourists In the hotel version of the hula, the sacredness of the dance has completely evaporated, while the athleticism and sexual expression have been packaged like ornaments. The purpose is entertainment for profit rather than joyful and truly Hawaiian celebration of human and divine nature (144). The true Native people of Hawaii value their celebrations and rituals, but their lands are turning into just tourist destinations. Trask argues that tourism was supposed to benefit all of the Hawaiin people, but rather than benefiting the people it is only benefiting larger companies within Hawaii.

2. Throughout the article Trask analogous the commercialization of Hawaii culture to prostitution, by this she means that tourism and economic revenue is more important than the actual beauty of the islands. Hawaii itself is the female object of degraded and victimized sexual value (143).

3. I am actual not surprised by Trasks take on the article, I have visited Hawaii a couple times and I got the same feeling described in the article, which is that everything was almost a show and was mostly for the tourists, the island was beautiful and I love it there but you do get the feeling that everything is done for the people visiting, such as hula shows at the hotels, those arent put on for the locals but more for just the tourists coming to stay. Although I stayed where all tourists stay and I didnt go to the smaller parts of the island where are the locals lived I didnt get to see anything other than what she is talking about in the article. Trask also mentions in the article If you are thinking of visiting my homeland, please do not. We do not want or need any more tourists, and we certainly do not like them. Which was a wake up call to us letting us know that true locals dont even want us there.

Watson:

1. By the time McDonalds came to Hong Kong American fast food was already familiarized and a norm so it become successful.

2. Mcdonalds in Hong Kong took a takeoff of highly educated, affluent consumers who thrive on Hong Kongs ever changing urban environment. Mcdonalds had to change some of their dishes in order to familiarize with locals such as adding in rice dishes. Slowly adding in breakfast items helped familiarize locals with it and now they order it. Mcdonalds has been getting used to the wave of the cultural movement and has been riding it ever since. Mcdonalds in Hong Kong had to change up their customer service because the people there are not familiar with a smile while being greeted.

3. In this article the research shows that American styled fast food doesnt have an effect on other cultures but instead American styled fast food can adapt to multiple cultures

Classmate #2: Lisa G Bogetto

Shayla,
                                                                  Miner
     Do you feel that the Nacirema people are very spiritual and have magical beliefs? I feel that Miner writes about them the way he does to show that they have different ways of their life. It is extremely outraging when it comes to there beliefs.
                                           Lovely hula hands (Task)
     Some of the Hawaiian norms, values and beliefs form this reading are interesting. I find that the people and the way the celebrate their culture is one of the most interesting. The commercialization of Hawaii culture, of prostitution, it is aimed at the women of Hawaii and it is very much so degrading to them. I believe that Task status of Hawaiian and tourism is very real. It is very beautiful place to visit and has much to offer for a vacation that people would enjoy. But Task does not act like she want us to be in her homeland.
                                                         McDonalds in Hong Kong
     What do you think that were some of the factors that lead McDonalds to be so successful in Hong Kong? Even though other companies had been there before them. Do you feel that the consumes of Hong Kong were willing to let McDonalds be there? I think that the different foods and drinks were interesting enough to make them want to try the product. I do think that American style of fast food does not change their culture. It will just add to what they already now and give more variety to the people of Hong Kong.