Presents minimization and maximization models for parallel test construction under constraints. The minimization model constructs weakly and strongly parallel tests of minimum length, while the maximization model constructs weakly and strongly parallel tests with maximum test reliability. (Author/SLD)

Discusses the test collections developed in the TREC (Text REtrieval Conference) workshops for information retrieval research and describes a study by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) that verified their reliability by investigating the effect changes in the relevance assessments have on the evaluation of retrieval results.…

Performed a reliability generalization using 244 studies that used NEO personality scales. Reliability estimates were given in only 15% of these studies, and 44% made no mention of reliability at all. Results suggest that many researchers have an inadequate understanding of concepts of reliability. Results also suggest that NEO personality scales…

Generating a test from an item bank using a criterion based on classical test theory parameters poses considerable problems. A mathematical model is formulated that maximizes the reliability coefficient alpha, subject to logical constraints on the choice of items. Theorems ensuring appropriate application of the Lagragian relation techniques are…

Highlights the use of semistructured interviews to explore essential positive and negative qualities of significant relationships. This approach allows for identifying who (or what) comprises respondents' significant social networks, and for conducting a qualitative analysis of those positive and negative qualities. Clinical individuals had…

The reliability and construct validity of scores on the Personal Preferences Self-Description Questionnaire (PPSDQ) (B. Thompson) were studied. Classical psychometric analysis of data from 641 participants (item and alpha analyses and both oblique and orthogonal exploratory factor analyses) indicate that the PPSDQ has reasonable properties. (SLD)

Develops a descriptive model utilizing grounded theory to classify sex offenders' cognitions concerning their offending behavior. The model consists of four categories that were tested to determine their content validity and reliability. Results suggest that the model has provisional validity and adequate interrater reliability. Discusses the…

Two relatively simple methods for estimating the condition standard error of measurement (SEM) for nonlinearly derived score scales are proposed. Applications indicate that these two procedures produce fairly consistent estimates that tend to peak near the high end of the scale and reach a minimum in the middle of the raw score scale. (SLD)

States that conversation analysis has enjoyed recent acceptance in mainstream communication research. Points out that one criticism is that conversation analysts have not felt obligated to demonstrate "intertranscriber" reliability for the use of transcription notation. Finds that multiple transcribers are capable of producing similar…

Discussion of middleware focuses on the Internet 2 Middleware Initiative. Topics include a description of middleware as a layer of software in a distributed system; middleware characteristics, including transparency, portability, reliability, scalability, and interoperability; and the Internet 2 Middleware Initiative which is focused on research…

Provides clear definitions of the terms "validity" and "reliability" in the context of developing scoring rubrics and illustrates these definitions through examples. Also clarifies how validity and reliability may be addressed in the development of scoring rubrics, defined as descriptive scoring schemes developed to guide the analysis of the…

Examined the reliability and accuracy of item performance estimates from an Angoff standard setting application with 29 panelists on 1 year and 30 in the next year. Results provide evidence that item performance estimates were both reasonable and reliable. Discusses factors that might have influenced the results. (SLD)

Studied sources of measurement error variance in the Teacher Efficacy Scale (TES) (Gibson and Dembo, 1984). Used reliability generalization to characterize the typical score reliability for the TES and potential sources of measurement error variance across 43 studies. Also examined related instruments for measurement integrity. (SLD)

A study compared correlation coefficients for a sample of 109 children with disabilities with those of 51 typically developing children. A positive, significant correlation was found between playfulness and environmental supportiveness. The magnitude of the relationship was greater for typically developing children than for those with…

In addition to the LOM standard and instructional design specifications, as well as domain specific indexing vocabularies, a structured indexing vocabulary for the more elementary learning objects is advisable in order to support retrieval tasks of developers. Furthermore, because semantic indexing is seen as a difficult task, three issues…