Explored the relationship between the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) and the Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT) administered to a sample of 29 mentally retarded children. Findings indicated that the PPVT-R predicted achievement as measured by the PIAT only moderately; and that PPVT-R scores correlated with achievement…

Bender Gestalt Test data from 60 severely emotionally handicapped and 60 normal children were computer digitized and scored traditionally. Reliability results from comparison of analysis techniques favored computer approach; criterion-related validity was unsuccessful for both scoring methods; and concurrent validity results indicated limited…

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)

Bilingual subjects (N=61) completed the three forms of the Depression Adjective Check Lists (DACL), each of which was printed half in Spanish and half in English. No significant effects were found either for language or sex of subject. Findings supported use of DACL Spanish version with Spanish-speaking subjects. (NRB)

Presented data on the translation and on the reliability and concurrent validity of the Chinese version of the Depression Adjective Check Lists (DACL). Reliability and validity coefficients are significant and of sufficient magnitude to warrant their use in research (N=37).(Author)

Presents a brief clinical test, derived from earlier neuropsychological instruments, with evidence for its reliability, interscorer agreement, and validity. The latter is based upon correlations with both CAT scan measures of cortical atrophy and ventricular enlargement, as well as correlations with seven other previously validated cognitive…

Presents a cross-validation of Reynolds' short form of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (N=233). Researchers administered 13 items as a separate entity, calculated Cronbach's Alpha for each sex, and computed test-retest correlation for one group. Concluded that the short form is a viable alternative. (Author/NRB)

Employed 479 subjects to develop and initially validate a random response scale for the Child Abuse Potential Inventory. Preliminary norm and reliability estimates are reported. Cross-validation and construct validity data are provided, indicating that the random response scale is stable across groups and can discriminate normal responders from…

Investigated the reliability and validity of the methods used to measure primary versus secondary alcoholism and claimed childhood symptoms of hyperkinesis/minimal brain dysfunction (Hk/MBD) in three separate studies (N=45), (N=53), (N=38). Results supported the Primary/Secondary Classification Questionnaire and the Hk/MBD Childhood Symptoms…

Reports reliability and validity data on the Unpleasant Events Schedule, a measure of frequency and aversiveness of stressful life events during one month. Nine rational, empirical, and factorial scales were developed and were retained as mutually independent, internally reliable, and tapping dimensions of clinical interest. (NRB)

Tested the hypothesis that the Repression-Sensitization (R-S) scale assesses self-reported symptoms of psychopathology in two studies (N=142). Results indicated that the R-S scale is influenced so powerfully by self-report of symptoms of psychopathology that its usefulness in assessing repression-sensitization is questionable. (BH)

Examined trait and trait and state inventories as measures of anxiety. The probabilistic Rasch Model was applied to 100 athletes' responses to trait and state anxiety items before competition. Results indicated that items of both scales produced misfit responses and did not produce equal units of measurement. (Author/NRB)

Numerous short forms of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory have been proposed in the last 15 years. In each case, the initial enthusiasm has been replaced by the questions about the clinical utility of the abbreviated version. Argues that the statistical properties of the test and reduced reliability due to shortening the scales…

Examined the subjectivity of the Harris-Lingoes Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) content subscales by asking expert judges (N=13) to group items from appropriate clinical scales that represented similar content, attitudes or traits. Results showed nine replicated subscales were highly similar and nine were moderately similar to…

Developed bipolar Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Optimism-Pessimism (PSM) scale based on results on Content Analysis of Verbatim Explanation applied to MMPI. Reliability and validity indices show that PSM scale is highly accurate and consistent with Seligman's theory that pessimistic explanatory style predicts increased…