Sex and ethnic-group differences on accomplishments measures

Measures of accomplishments-notable attainments that have been publicly rec ognized-have promise for research and practice in education and other appli ed fields. In this study we investigated sex and ethnic group differences o n these measures for students bound for graduate school. Examined were 6 ac complishments scales (Academic Achievement, Leadership, Practical Language, Aesthetic Expression, Science, and Mechanical). With a single exception (t he Mechanical scale), men and women did not differ in their level of perfor mance on the scales; ethnic groups did not differ on any scale. Furthermore , the factor structure of the scales did not differ in most respects for me n and women. Concerns about sex and ethnic group differences on accomplishm ents measures are probably unwarranted, at least for undergraduates and gra duate students. Such measures merit further attention.