Because of the advantages present during a reading comprehension test for participants with background knowledge, the validity of the test can be challenged. The results of the test could reflect a participants prior knowledge more than it reflects their capacity to read and understand a text. 

San Jose State University

Background knowledge can effect outcomes in reading comprehension tests. Specifically, the test taker with background knowledge will have several advantages over those that do not. These advantages include:
- a better understanding of the text
- a better ability to infer unstated relationships between elements
- a developed schema of information to which they can add new information

Background Knowledge in Reading Comprehension

O’Reilly, T. & Sabatini, J. (2013). Reading for understanding: How performance moderators and scenarios impact assessment design. ETS Research Report Series, 2013(2), i–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2333-8504.2013.tb02338.x


Reading for understanding: How performance moderators and scenarios impact assessment design

Background Knowledge Challenges to Assessment Validity

- General Content
- A Wide Range of Content
- Measuring Background Knowledge

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