On the validity of silent reading tests

Abstract

Conclusions: "(1) Certain of the standardized tests seem highly valid, particularly the Sangren-Woody Reading Test; the Haggerty Reading Examination, Sigma 3; and the reading section of the Stanford Achievement Test, Advanced Examination. (2) Tests of specialized reading skills are not valid tests of silent reading comprehension, as in the cases of the Briggs English Form Test and the Van Wagenen Reading Scales for English Literature. (3) Carefully constructed home-made reading tests possess as good validity as standardized tests in the same subject matter field." Validity coefficients were based on results with groups of cases ranging in number from 21 to 99. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)