The effects of different response option orders on survey responses have been studied extensively. The typical research design involves examining the differences in response characteristics between conditions with the same item stems and response option orders that differ in valence--either incrementally arranged (e.g., strongly disagree to…

To measure the response style of acquiescence, researchers recommend the use of at least 15 items with heterogeneous content. Such an approach is consistent with its theoretical definition and is a substantial improvement over traditional methods. Nevertheless, measurement of acquiescence can be enhanced by two additional considerations: first, to…

Previous research has found the effects of acquiescence to be generally consistent across item "aggregates" within a single survey (i.e., essential tau-equivalence), but it is unknown whether this phenomenon is consistent at the" individual item" level. This article evaluated the often assumed but inadequately tested…

Many psychological scales written in the Likert format include reverse worded (RW) items in order to control acquiescence bias. However, studies have shown that RW items often contaminate the factor structure of the scale by creating one or more method factors. The present study examines an alternative scale format, called the Expanded format,…

A measurement model describes both the numerical and theoretical relationship between observed scores and the corresponding latent variables or constructs. Testing a measurement model across groups is required to determine if the tests scores are tapping the same constructs so that the same meaning can be ascribed to the scores. Contemporary tests…

The Motivation at Work Scale (MAWS) was developed in accordance with the multidimensional conceptualization of motivation postulated in self-determination theory. The authors examined the structure of the MAWS in a group of 1,644 workers in two different languages, English and French. Results obtained from these samples suggested that the…

This study evaluated the concurrent validity of estimated Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales-Third Edition (WAIS-III) index scores using various one- and two-subtest combinations. Participants were the Canadian WAIS-III standardization sample. Using all possible one- and two-subtest combinations, an estimated Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), an…

Reliability, factorial complexity, and predictive validity of the Test of Syntactic Abilities Screening Test were determined from the responses of mildly hearing impaired, severely hearing impaired, and profoundly deaf students. Results showed that the test was unifactorial. Use of the total score to discriminate among students is justified.…

Canadian undergraduate students were administered the British general ability test, AH2, along with a multiple-choice vocabulary test and the Standard Progressive Matrices, a nonverbal ability test. Scores were compared with British norms and intercorrelated with those of the other two tests. Correlations with the other ability tests were low.…

Examined the psychometric properties of a French version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC; C. Spielberger and others, 1973), administered to 288 French Canadian children in intermediate grades. Findings show that the STAIC is psychometrically sound. (SLD)

The purpose of this study was to determine the concurrent validity of the Learning Ability Profile (LAP) by correlating the results obtained on the LAP with grade point average (GPA). Scores on LAP, both weighted and nonweighted, were correlated .30 and .31, respectively, with GPA. (Author/BW)

A 75-item instrument was developed to assess high school students' attitudes toward work. Fifteen scales were derived. Analysis of responses from 1,035 students showed high reliabilities. Group differences based on age, sex, previous work experiences, and vocational ambitions lent support to the validity of the scales. (Author/CM)

Three multiple-abilities batteries--the Comprehensive Ability Battery, Differential Aptitude Tests, and General Aptitude Test Battery--are briefly discussed, and results of a study involving cross-correlations of the tests in these batteries are presented. (Author/JKS)

This article reports on the development of a short questionnaire to measure work engagement--a positive work-related state of fulfillment that is characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption. Data were collected in 10 different countries (N = 14,521), and results indicated that the original 17-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) can be…

After being translated into French, the Learning Environment Inventory was administered to 3,065 high school students in Quebec. The scales of the Inventory were then related to achievement scores. Results supported the validity of the inventory. (Author/JKS)