This paper reports the results of a study conducted to examine the predictive validity of the Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT) in the Virginia Community College System. Subjects were students at Blue Ridge Community College enrolled in English 101, 102, 111, 112, and Psychology 201, 202, or 203 during one academic year. The NDRT (Form A) was…

The unbiased estimate of a "treatment effect" reached by analysis of covariance in a nonrandomized experiment would often require that a different covariate be used in each treatment. A sufficient but unlikely condition for an unbiased estimate is that the covariate for each treatment is (1) the complete covariate that predicts the outcome as…

A correlational study was conducted using ACT (American College Test) sub-test scores and actual grades earned in corresponding subject areas in order to determine if the ACT was an effective predictor for student's grades at Southern West Virginia Community College (SWVCC). Study subjects were all students (n= 241) who had ACT test scores on file…

A study of the predictive validity of selected admissions variables used by the University of Kentucky College of Medicine (Medical College Admissions Test subscores, undergraduate science grade point average (USGA), age, and Otis Test of Mental Ability) revealed the predictive validity of USGA and the MCAT quantitative subscore. (JT)

The reliability and predictive validity of the WISC-R was investigated with 46 Mexican-American children. Approximately a year and a half after the administration of the WISC-R, scores on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills were collected. Results indicated that the WISC-R meets minimum requirements of reliability and predictive validity with…

Nine methods of smoothing double-entry expectancy tables (tables that relate two predictor variables to probability of attaining success on a criterion) were compared using data for entering students at 85 colleges and universities. The smoothed tables were more accurate than those based on observed relative frequencies. (Author/CTM)

This study sought to develop and test a method for predicting inpatient utilization in the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene. A Markov chain mathematical model was developed and tested ex post facto for its accuracy in prediction of inpatient workload by age groups for two successive fiscal years. (Author)

In this study, mothers predicted their preschoolers' prereading skills beyond chance expectation. (MKM)

A study was conducted to examine the relation between each of several attitudinal qualities and attitude-behavior consistency. Attitude-behavior consistency was significantly related to the amount of direct experience upon which the subject's attitude was based, the degree of certainty with which the attitude was held, and how well-defined the…

A sample of first grade children were pretested with the Stanford Early School Achievement Test and posttested with the Stanford Achievement Test. Results demonstrated moderate validity of theformer for predicting first grade achievement. Prediction was better in verbal achievement than in mathematics achievement. (Author/JKS)

The generalizability of the Fishbein model for behavior prediction was extended to a new field of behavior, alcohol drinking by adolescents. This research investigated the predictive importance of the model's two components, attitudes and normative beliefs. (Editor/RK)

Examined the relationship between decision-making styles and vocational maturity with a focus on the current discrepancy between research and theory regarding the utility of rational decision making. Results were consistent across 177 community college students, in that a reliance upon the rational style was the only significant decision-making…

Addresses the relationship between teacher attitudes and teacher effectiveness. Discusses a local validation study of the Omaha Teacher Interview (OTI), a preemployment teacher selection device assessing attitudes and personality. Finds the relationship between OTI ratings and job performance positive but insufficient to justify basing selection…

Support for the validity of the equipercentile assumption is presented in contrast with the conclusion of Powers, Slaughter, and Helmick (EJ 289 091). Observed "gains" from pre- to posttests are better attributed to stakeholder bias, posttests that match curriculum content too closely, or a combination of these factors. (Author/DWH)

This case study of university students' use of reserve materials found that the relationship between grade and reserve use was apparent when one examined aggregates of students, but was not strong enough for use as a predictor of an individual's grade. (EM)