Final answer:
The SAT and ACT are norm-referenced tests that compare an individual's performance to a norm group using percentiles. Their predictive validity, particularly regarding college success, has been debated, with some institutions reevaluating their role in admissions due to fairness concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The SAT and ACT are examples of norm-referenced tests, meaning they compare an individual's score to a predetermined level of performance derived from the scores of a norm group. This comparison allows for the interpretation of a test taker's performance in relation to the performance of a typical group of test takers. Percentiles are a key feature of these tests, used by universities and colleges to establish benchmarks in the admissions process, such as admitting students scoring at or above a certain percentile. Research on these exams, such as that by Kobrin et al. (2008) and contrasting views presented by Santelices & Wilson (2010), debates the predictive validity of the tests, which is the degree to which they accurately forecast college readiness and future academic performance. While the SAT and ACT have traditionally been thought to hold predictive validity for first-year college students' GPA, recent studies have questioned the extent and reliability of this claim. Furthermore, many educational institutions are reassessing how they incorporate these standardized test scores into admissions decisions, often in light of concerns regarding fairness, equity, and potential test biases. Despite these critiques, standardized test scores still remain an integral part of the college admissions process in many parts of the United States.