July 3, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Katya Hutnik 607-342-1145 Khutnik6@yahoo.com

Hidden Consequences of Tests

Professor speaks out on aptitude and integrity testing Think back to high school and remember the months of practice questions, prep classes and continuous studying you did for the SAT or ACT. Now imagine that you never had to take the SAT or ACT. An anthropology professor at the University of Maryland, Allan F. Hanson, is a strong believer that aptitude and most integrity testing should become a thing of the past. In his book, Testing Testing: Social Consequences of the Examined Life, Hanson explores the hidden consequences of American societys addiction to tests. The American preoccupation with testing has resulted in panoply of techniques dedicated to scanning, probing, weighing, pursuing and recording every last detail of our personal traits and life experiences, Hanson says. As a solution Hanson recommends eliminating most drug tests, intelligence and aptitude tests, and lie detector or integrity tests. Some college admissions offices no longer require scores from aptitude test such as, the ACT, the SAT or the GMAT as an application requirement because it limits the application pool and provides an unfair advantage to those who cannot afford test preparatory classes. (more)

 Hanson believes this is proof that it should be possible to eliminate these tests all together.

Of all the forms of testing Hanson describes lie detector testing as a pornographic look into a persons private thoughts. He says, The test taker is powerless to conceal or control anything, and the results are often unreliable. Yet people whose character may be under public scrutiny submit to and even request polygraph tests to establish credibility. Hanson does however approve of tests that measure performance, such as what a student has learned in class or skill mastered for a job. He claims those tests are useful unlike tests that predict behavior or aptitude. Hanson uses IQ testing as an example to provide reasoning behind his stance. He argues that scores from IQ testing can cause permanent consequences for children. These scores are used to assign people to various intelligence categories: genius, slow learner, security risk and in time affect how people are treated and think of themselves long-term. People are examined and evaluated less for qualifications or knowledge they already possess than for what the test results can predict about future actions or potential behavior. Hanson said. If Hanson has it his way future students can say goodbye to taking tests like the ACT and SAT and the months of preparation questions, tests and classes. The book is available for purchase at local bookstores, or by contacting Cicourel at UC Press, 2120 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA. 94720. (more)

About UM The University of Maryland is a diverse and prosperous campus. The university prides itself in its academic achievements of its students and faculty. The anthropology department is known for its established theoretical orientation and is national recognition. Through years of experience and expertise, faculty provides a network of connections and research opportunities to ensure success of students. We strive to preserve and transmit past knowledge and to confront present challenges. For more information visit www.umd.edu or call 301-415-1000. ###