This report investigates whether the time between scoring sessions has an influence on operational and nonoperational scoring accuracy. The study evaluates raters' scoring accuracy on constructed-response essay responses for the "GRE"® General Test. Binomial linear mixed-effect models are presented that evaluate how the effect of various…

This study investigated the cross-cultural validity of the Preschool Learning Behavior Scale (PLBS) in the Chinese cultural context. Multiple approaches were used for this purpose, including exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, criterion-related validity evidence, and internal consistency reliability estimates. The findings…

This study examined the structural validity of the Schedule of Racist Events (SRE), a brief inventory that assesses the frequency and stressfulness of racism in the lives of African Americans. The original three-factor structure of the SRE was examined, along with an alternative structure that was designed to test whether the SRE captured types of…

Critiques and discusses 10 measures of burden that have been used with caregivers of individuals with dementia. Claims that, although many measures contain reliability data, relatively few report content validity, convergent/divergent validity, criterion validity, or sensitivity to change. Discusses implications for research and practice.…

Affirms the evidence for predictive validity of assessment centers and concludes that assessment centers can work for a variety of purposes and in numerous contexts. Raises possible explainations for the predictive validity observed in assessment centers and raises implications for practice and guidance of future research. (Author/KS)

To better identify the auditory strengths of elementary school children, a test was developed using a pure tone approach with sets of signals. (SBH)

A recent report of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) found American youth to be in poor physical condition. Some people associated with youth fitness argue that the PCPFS tests are motor fitness-related, not health-related. The issues are discussed. (Author/MT)

Describes hypothesis validity as extent to which research results reflect theoretically derived predictions about relations between or among constructs. Discusses role of hypotheses in theory testing. Presents four threats to hypothesis validity: (1) inconsequential research hypotheses; (2) ambiguous research hypotheses; (3) noncongruence of…

Reviews the evaluation by the National Academy of Science (NAS) of the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB), which was developed to predict the job performance of potential employees. Proposes that the NAS recommendation to correct the GATB's racial bias by "race-norming" was a political decision and not scientifically justified. (FMW)

Consistent with C. J. Gelso's (1979, 1993, 1997) research training environment theory, the authors hypothesized that research training environments exist in predoctoral internships. The Internship Research Training Environment Scale (IRTES) was developed to assess research training environments found in predoctoral psychology internships.…

Notes that, while researchers seek accurate causative factors for suicidal behavior, validity and reliability of certification of suicide deaths by coroners and medical examiners have been questioned. Provides overview of existing vital statistics registry system, proposes innovations that could improve quality of officially reported suicide…

Considers both validity and reliability simultaneously in selecting the best short forms (SFs) of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R). Results indicate that incorporating reliability as a criterion has a dramatic impact on the obtained best SFs. (LLL)

Reports the validities and reliabilities of two short forms of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (Revised) (Vocabulary and Block Design, and Arithmetic and Picture Arrangement) for each of nine age groups, together with standard errors of estimate and measurement. Results support the use of these forms for their intended purpose. (BH)

The development and validation of the Teacher Beliefs Survey (TBS) is described. The TBS, an instrument for assessing the beliefs of teachers related to constructivist and traditional approaches to teaching and learning, contains 21 items in three hypothetical constructs. Elementary teachers, preservice (n = 61) and in-service (n = 137),…

Discusses current methods, problems, and results of psychological treatment for alcohol abuse, including alcoholism. Addresses external and internal validity problems specific to issues regarding who is treated for alcohol problems, and treatment and patient factors that predict response to alcoholism treatment. Reviews current data on…