What does cultural bias in intelligence testing refer to?

Cultural bias in intelligence testing refers to the presence of factors that favor test-takers from specific backgrounds, often leading to an unfair advantage for individuals who share those cultural experiences or knowledge. This can occur when the content, structure, or language of a test reflects the norms and values of a particular culture, which may not be accessible or relevant to individuals from different cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds. Consequently, test scores may not accurately represent the true cognitive abilities of individuals from diverse backgrounds, as they may struggle with questions that assume familiarity with certain cultural references or experiences that are not universal.

Recognizing cultural bias is essential in the field of psychology and educational assessment, as it impacts the validity and reliability of intelligence testing and can perpetuate systemic inequalities in educational and professional opportunities.