Effect of Extra Time on Verbal and Quantitative GRE Scores

Abstract

The Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE) is a measure of academic reasoning abilities that is intended to be a power test in which speed of responding plays at most a minor role. To test this assumption, we experimentally administered both the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE with standard time limits and with 1.5 times the standard time limit (e.g., 45 min for a 30-min section). Participants volunteered to take an extra section with the experimental timing at the end of their regular GRE test; their incentive was eligibility for a cash payment if they did as well on the experimental section as on their operational sections. Usable data were obtained from 15,948 examinees. Results indicated that extra time added about 7 points to verbal scores and 7 points to quantitative scores (on the 200-800 score scale). Results were comparable across gender and ethnic groups, but quantitative scores were slightly higher for lower ability examinees.

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