Various American College Test (ACT) score combinations were used to predict students' performance on numerous reading tests at a large number of postsecondary institutions. These studies indicated a high level of predictive accuracy. (Author/CTM)

Two approaches to the validation of occupational interest inventories are considered. The approaches vary according to whether one is interested in predicting students' occupational preferences as opposed to assisting counselors in advisement. One empirical example using female college students is presented. (Author/JKS)

The present study examined and evaluated the application of linear policy-capturing models to the real-world decision task of graduate admissions. Utility of the policy-capturing models was great enough to be of practical significance, and least-squares weights showed no predictive advantage over equal weights. (Author/CTM)

Semantic incompatibility, an error in constructing measuring instruments for rating oneself, others, or objects, refers to the extent to which item wordings are incongruent with, and hence inappropriate for, scale labels and vice versa. This study examines the effects of semantic incompatibility on rating responses. Using a 2 x 2 factorial design…

Criteria which have been traditionally used to evaluate graduate student performance (grade point average, attainment of degree, time to degree, rating scales, etc.) are critically examined. The authors conclude that very little research exists in this area and that the problem of adequate criteria is quite difficult. (Author/JKS)

This research attempted to interrelate several methods of producing option weights (i.e., Guttman internal and external weights and judges' weights) and examined their effects on reliability and on concurrent, predictive, and face validity. It was concluded that option weighting offered limited, if any, improvement over unit weighting. (Author/CTM)

Validation studies of the Course-Faculty Evaluation Instrument (CFI) were analyzed, using a multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) strategy. Using an analysis of variance framework to summarize MTMM matrices, the CFI demonstrated greater discriminant validity using more dimensions (traits) and had a lower error component than the Courseg Scales

LISREL maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analyses assessed the effects of grouped and random formats on convergent and discriminant validity of two sets of questionnaires--job characteristics scales and satisfaction measures--each administered to 80 college students. The grouped format was superior, and the usefulness of LISREL confirmatory…

Computed person-fit indices derived from Item Response Theory and used them to identify misfitting examinees using responses to cognitive ability and personality tests from 180 and 198 college students. Results suggest that person misfit may be related to the motivational set of the examinees. (SLD)

Good measurement of sexism depends on a determination of the dimensionality of this attitude, as well as on reliability and validity. Four studies investigated the dimensionality of sexism and the nature of the dimensions to assure that none represents superficial responding. A single, general attitude seems justified by the results. (Author/CT M)

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. (…

Examined the performance of three item-response models applied to data collected from a conventionally developed Likert-type personality scale administered to 657 Spanish undergraduates. Models' response assumptions were reasonably tenable, and the solutions obtained for the continuous, censored, and graded-response models were similar. (SLD)

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)

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)

The usefulness of short-term behavioral criteria as a technique for validating vocational needs and interests inventories is investigated. An empirical example demonstrates the usefulness of the technique. (Author/JKS)