The many-faceted Rasch (MFR) model has been used to evaluate the quality of ratings on constructed response assessments; however, it can also be used to evaluate the quality of judgments from panel-based standard setting procedures. The current study illustrates the use of the MFR model for examining the quality of ratings obtained from a standard…

The concurrent and predictive validity of the Achievement Anxiety Test (AAT) were investigated. The evidence gives cause to be concerned about the quality of a difference score because of the nonindependence of the two scores. Further, the underlying structure of the instrument appears to be more complex than originally hypothesized. (Author/GK)

The relationship between the validity theory of the past 50 years and actual validity practices was studied by comparing published test standards with the practices of measurement professionals expressed in the "Mental Measurements Yearbook" test reviews. Results show a symbiotic relationship between theory and practice on the influence…

The results of this study of the factorial validity of the Bias in Attitudes Survey (BIAS) suggest the the BIAS in relation to other sex-role scales is measuring more complete and complex attitudes toward sex roles. Two factors represented both the traditional view of male/female roles and a nonsexist view. (Author/BW)

Two studies examined the effect of making the correct answer of a multiple choice test item grammatically consistent with the item. American College Testing Assessment experimental items were constructed to investigate grammatical compliance to investigate grammatical compliance for plural-singular and vowel-consonant agreement. Results suggest…

A shortened version of the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS) was developed. It yielded a coefficient alpha reliability estimated at .98, correlated .97 with the original MARS, and showed relationships with state, trait, and test anxiety parallel to the original MARS. It should be useful for mathematical course-related applications.…

Analysis of variance and subjective rating by curriculum specialists were used to identify biased items on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. Results show little agreement between statistical and subjective methods. Test developers should statistically support a reviewer's selection of biased items. (Author/CP)

The use of the Estes Reading Attitude Scale as a measure of academic attitude of fourth-, fifth-, and sixth- grade Mexican-American and Anglo student groups did not lead to substantial bias in test score interpretation. These results indicate that responses on the test as a whole can be judged as valid. (Author/PN)