Raju and Oshima (2005) proposed two prophecy formulas based on item response theory in order to predict the reliability of ability estimates for a test after change in its length. The first prophecy formula is equivalent to the classical Spearman-Brown prophecy formula. The second prophecy formula is misleading because of an underlying false…

Two new methods for constructing a credibility interval (CI)--an interval containing a specified proportion of true validity description--are discussed, from a frequentist perspective. Tolerance intervals, unlike the current method of constructing the CI, have performance characteristics across repeated applications and may be useful in validity…

Staff members of the Psychology department at the University of Oregon rated each other's height on five rating scales representative of those found in social psychology. Average ratings proved to be very good estimates of height. (Author/JKS)

The validity and utility of the stratified adaptive computerized testing model (stradaptive) developed by Weiss are empirically investigated. The model presents a tailored testing strategy based upon Binet IQ measurement theory and Lord's modern test theory. (Author/RC)

Two studies are reported which investigated the construct validity and reliability of the Ghiselli Self-Description Inventory as a measure of self-esteem. The first study, using a multitrait-multimethod matrix, found little evidence for the construct validity of the instrument. The second study found a significant, although low, reliability. (…

The most consistently used scoring system for the rod-and-frame task has been the total number of degrees in error from the true vertical. Since a logical case can be made for at least four alternative scoring systems, a thorough comparison of all five systems was performed. (Author/CTM)

Adapting curricula to the cognitive developmental level of students has been hindered by the difficulty of assessing those levels in students. The reliability and validity of a paper-and-pencil Piagetian assessment are discussed. (Author/ JKS)

A technique to measure maternal teaching strategies was developed for possible use in research and evaluation studies. Scores derived from the technique describe quality and quanitity of behaviors used by mothers to teach cognitive-perceptual tasks to their own young children. Reliability and validity data are presented. (Author/JKS)

Sets of inventory scales were constructed from a common item pool, using variants of what are here called the Inductive, Deductive, and External strategies. Peer ratings for 21 traits served as criteria. Very little variation in validity was attributable to construction strategies. (Author/CTM)

The example of a medical licensure test is used to demonstrate situations in which complex, integrated content must be balanced at the total test level for validity reasons, but items assigned to reportable subscore categories may be used under a multidimensional item response theory adaptive paradigm to improve subscore reliability. (SLD)

Empirically weighted scores for Rest's Defining Issues Test were found to be more reliable than the simple sum of scores theoretically weighted sum, or Rest's p scores. They also had slightly higher correlations with Kohlberg's interview scores. Empirically weighted scores also showed more significant change in two longitudinal studies. (CTM)

Five studies are presented describing the development of a self-report inventory for measuring individual differences in learning processes. Factor analysis of items yielded four scales: Synthesis-Analysis, Study Methods, Fact Retention, and Elaborative Processing. There were no sex differences, and the scales demonstrated acceptable reliabilities…

Scores on the Role Construct Repertory Test exhibited significant correlations with other forms of cognitive functioning, including American College Test scores in science and mathematics for a group of 79 college students. The Grid Form of the test was used. Test-retest reliability was low. (Author/CTM)

The advantages of using psychometric thoery to design short forms of intelligence tests are demonstrated by comparing such usage to a systematic random procedure that has previously been used. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Revised (WISC-R) Short Form is presented as an example. (JKS)

Several methodological problems (particularly the assumed bipolarity of scales, instructions regarding use of the midpoint, and concept-scale interaction) which may contribute to a lack of precision in the semantic differential technique were investigated. Results generally supported the use of the semantic differential. (Author/JKS)