Psychologists are emphasizing the importance of predictive conclusions. Machine learning methods, such as supervised neural networks, have been used in psychological studies as they naturally fit prediction tasks. However, we are concerned about whether neural networks fitted with random datasets (i.e., datasets where there is no relationship…

Item response tree (IRTree) models are a flexible framework to control self-reported trait measurements for response styles. To this end, IRTree models decompose the responses to rating items into sub-decisions, which are assumed to be made on the basis of either the trait being measured or a response style, whereby the effects of such person…

This study examined the predictors and psychometric outcomes of survey satisficing, wherein respondents provide quick, "good enough" answers (satisficing) rather than carefully considered answers (optimizing). We administered surveys to university students and respondents--half of whom held college degrees--from a for-pay survey website,…

Usefulness of the Comrey Validity Check scale score as an index of random or indiscriminate responding to the Comrey Personality Scales was evaluated on a large sample of Navy paramedical personnel. Tables are presented and implications are discussed. (Author/JKS)

To determine if the observed correlation between two variables can be "explained" by a third variable, a significance test on the partial correlation coefficient is often used. This can be misleading when the third variable is measured with error. This article shows how the problem can be partially overcome. (Author/BW)

A reliability generalization of the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) was conducted using the normative sample. The RCMAS consists of a Total Anxiety scale as well as four subscales. Results suggest that the Total Anxiety scores are typically reliable (median across 48 samples = .81). Subscale scores were less reliable: The median…

The general problem of using group status to estimate true scores given multiple measures is considered in this paper. (Authors)

Predictive validities of computer aptitude and computer anxiety were studied using nonprogramming computer performance as the criterion variable for 162 young adults. Effects of computer anxiety on performance were negligible, and computer aptitude yielded uncertain results. The measurement instruments' reliability was also reported. (SLD)

The reliability and validity of an instrument designed to predict dimensions of community adjustment of schizophrenic patients released to reside in the outside community was investigated. Cross-validation was only modestly successful. (JKS)

Factors seem to indicate that the OQS could be effectively substituted for the NTE as a screening measure for graduate students in education. The D-48 was not added to the prediction equation, since it made a negligible contribution to the total prediction. (Authors/CB)

Findings of this study suggest that it is preferable to attempt to control guessing through the use of the reward instruction rather than to attempt to control it using the penalty instruction or to encourage it using the insttruction to guess. (Authors/MB)

The California State University and Colleges English Placement Test was designed to provide information about the reading and writing skills of newly admitted college students. The validity of this measure is examined. (Author/JKS)

An instrument for identifying disturbed and normal third to fifth grade children was evaluated. The instrument employs verb choices in a forced-choice sentence-completion format. A cross-validation procedure established high percentages of correct classifications. (Author/JKS)