Problems in validating ability tests for handicapped students and research approaches to predictive validity are discussed. Validity for handicapped persons tested under regular conditions; for applicants to special programs, and for tests taken under special administrative conditions are considered. Item analysis and the construction of new…

A tailored testing model employing the beta distribution, whose mean equals the difficulty of an item and whose variance is approximately equal to the sampling variance of the item difficulty, and employing conditional item difficulties, is proposed. (Author)

The validity of the constructs underlying the Clark-Trow Typology of College Student Subcultures--academic interests and non-academic interests--are confirmed. However, there are indications that the involvement with ideas dimension does not discriminate satisfactorily among the four student groups. (Author/MV)

The author discusses the interrelationship between hypotheses and the predictions they generate. He uses spiders, behavior models, and the Civil War as examples to illustrate his discussion. The author believes that it is the responsibility of science instructors to teach an understanding of the nature of science to their students. (MA)

Tested the predictive validity of Holland's constructs of congruence and consistency defined according to the hierarchical model for the structure of interests. A follow-up study of adults tested as high school seniors showed the hierarchical and circular models are of similar efficiency in predicting occupational choice satisfaction. (Author/JAC)

Describes a criterion group classification scheme commonly used in conjunction with discriminant function analysis and suggests that clinicians consider membership probabilities for each criterion group of interest. Illustrates this approach using data from a study in which discriminant analysis was used to identify characteristics of problem…

An Australian study investigated multidimensionality in college entrance examination scores. Data from the American College Testing Program (ACT) and Australian Tertiary Entrance scores (which combines year 12 course grades and scores on the Australian Scholastic Aptitude Test) were analyzed using a 4-dimensional model. Results suggest a single…

How do scores from writing samples generated by computerized essay scorers compare to those generated by ''untrained'' human scorers and what combination of scores, if any, is more accurate at placing students in composition courses? This study endeavored to answer this two-part question by evaluating the correspondence between writing sample…

A model was developed positing four factors as having a determinant influence on the desire of Mexicans for future economic relationships between their country and the United States. The factors, previously identified as occupying a central position in intercultural communication, are perceptions of shared interests, threats, homophily, and…

A study was undertaken to develop a system for predicting the impact of adjustments in aptitude requirements on outcomes (performance) in Air Force basic resident technical training. To accomplish this, a multivariate modeling approach was used. Initially, interviews were constructed within a variety of technical training programs to specify the…

A military research study focused on the cost of on-the-job training (OJT) for enlisted men until they reach the proficiency level of journeyman, with objectives to develop a costing methodology for OJT sufficiently general to be used in almost any occupational specialty in any of the services and to pilot test that methodology and evaluate its…

Research investigated the feasibility of a diagnostic media test system. Two distinct tests were developed for sixth grade and university populations, each having: 1) a main phase with three specific teaching sequences, one for each media form; 2) test items for each teaching sequence; and 3) a validation phase with one teaching sequence…

The application of scientific tools to analyse the use of Internet-based e-learning tools in academic settings is in general an ignored area. E-learning tools are actually an emergent topic as a result of the new ideas introduced by the European Higher Education Area. Lifelong learning, or the promotion of student initiative, is the new paradigm…