Merit, equity, and test validity: a new look at an old problem
This article begins with a brief review of the Johnson decision. In particular, it points to an assumption that grew out of the case as a result of media coverage that merit has been sacrificed for the sake of equality. The article demonstrates that in general, we cannot reasonably claim that merit is compromised by equity because the validity scales that are relied on to conceptualize and measure merit are fraught with problems. It concludes with recommendations for alternative ways to accommodate the values of merit and equity, which may ultimately help scholars as well as practitioners formulate questions about their relevance to public employment
Public Personnel Administration Personnel Management Equity Ability Test Merit System