Compared two new measures of depression (Millon Multiaxial Inventory Dysthymia and Major Depression subscales) with two established instruments: Beck Depression Inventory, a self-report measure which emphasizes the cognitive-affective aspects of depression, and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, an interview measure that emphasizes somatic…

Using the Jesness Inventory (JI), personality patterns of delinquents were compared with a socially acting-out group and a control group. The Asocial Index was significant across and between all groups with a progressive increase in T scores directly related to delinquent involvement. (Author)

Factor analyzed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) across nine age groups in the standardization sample. When three- and four-factor analyses were performed, the familiar three-factor structure (Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, and Freedom From Distractibility) was clearly visible. (Author/JAC)

Used 112 adult patients from three psychiatric facilities to examine psychometric properties of Basic Personality Inventory scales. Found no differences across facilities; sex differences on some scales. Scales appeared to be internally consistent. Using clinical staff ratings as criteria, scales were found to possess both convergent and…

Employed a discriminant analysis with a number of instruments to determine their relative power in classifying hyperactive children. Results indicated that only nine of 27 measures used had the potential to discriminate hyperactive from normal children. Only three measures were needed in the discriminant equation for accurate classification.…

Psychometric properties of Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale were examined. Evidence supported the theoretical notion of an individual difference variable in arousal-seeking. Other evidence, however, suggested that measurement problems continue to hamper research: the total score was moderately reliable, but the subscales were only marginally…

Presented a distinction between concepts of face validity and item subtlety. Trait categories were differentially accessible to individual judges. Higher criterion validities were associated with less subtle and more face-valid items. Results support a rational approach to test construction and emphasize the use of relevant test item content.…

Investigated relation between marital distress, therapeutic alliance formation, and treatment outcome in group marital skills training program in which 63 couples met for 9 weeks. Results indicated that levels of marital distress neither impaired nor facilitated alliance formation. Strength of alliance appeared to be more powerful predictor of…

Reviews several scales used to evaluate competency of psychotherapists. Discusses concerns about interrater reliability and predictive validity of scales. Considers competency a state-like variable, with therapists demonstrating higher competence when they skillfully treat patients across range of difficulty levels. Contends that development of…

Assessed the behavioral meaning of scores from a teacher-judgment measure of social competence as it reveals itself in the classroom behavior of kindergarten children (N=l00). Results supported the validity of teachers' judgments of interest and participation displayed by the boys and cooperation and compliance displayed by the girls. (LLL)