Grade Inflation and the Validity of the Scholastic Aptitude Test

Abstract

Grade inflation refers to an increase in grade point average without a concomitant increase in achievement. Therefore, to show that grade inflation exists it is important to demonstrate that achievement has not increased while grades have increased. One purpose of this study is to clarify this issue by examining the data base of the College Board's Validity Study Service. The second purpose of the study is to examine the effect of grade inflation on the validity of the Scholastic Aptitude Test across a period of 15 years.