THE IMPACT OF EXTENDED TIME ON SAT® TEST PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The effects of extended time on SAT Reasoning Test™ performance are examined. The study explored the impact of providing standard time, time and a half (1.5 time) with and without specified section breaks, and double time without specified section breaks on the verbal and mathematics sections of the SAT®. Differences among ability, disability, and gender groups were examined. Results indicated that time and a half with separately timed sections benefits students with and without disabilities. Some extra time improves performance, but too much may be detrimental. Extra time benefits medium- and high-ability students but provides little or no advantage to low-ability students. The effects of extended time are more pronounced for the mathematics sections of the SAT. The implications for potential changes to the SAT and the need for future research are discussed.