To guide the unbiased process of visual inference, a four-step model is presented for the assessment of reliability, intervention effect, meaningfulness, and generalizability. A Visual Inference Checklist (VIC) systematizes this assessment process. (Author)

Contrary to conclusions made from previous research findings, teachers can accurately report their own behaviors under certain conditions. Continued research into conditions that influence accuracy in teacher self-reports is needed. (CJ)

Demonstrates the utility of a behavioral method for classifying cotherapists in terms of similarity and consistency and examines the relationships among cotherapists' similarity and consistency of focal interventions, amount and type of work that group therapy patients performed, and treatment outcome. (Author)

Some causes for reliability problems in tutor-marked assignments are discussed: factors relating to the questions such as ambiguous, overloaded, hidden agenda, and unrealistic questions; variations caused by differing tutor notes; and students not answering the question, scales and standards, rounding and partial scores, and bonus marks. (JMF)

Essay assignments provide a major portion of students' grades in most Open University curricula. The main educational objectives of essay questions are relevance and the ability to argue a thesis in the light of the course material. (JMF)

Discusses a reliability theoretic construct focusing on information produced to satisfy specified purposes or achieve preconceived objectives. When measures of system reliability and sensitivity analyses are performed, the result is a closer congruence between the objectives of the data producer and user requirements. (Author/MBR)

A review of qualitative methods used in a predominantly quantitative evaluation indicates a variety of roles for such a mixing of methods, including framing and revising research questions, assessing the validity of measures and adaptations to program implementation, and gauging the degree of uncertainty and generalizability of conclusions.…

The development and validation of an instrument to assess goal orientation for the work domain are reported. Results of exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and nomological network analysis of results from 556 undergraduates all support the conclusion that the instrument operationalizes the theorized…

Describes a survey of science faculty and researchers at the University of Michigan that investigated their information needs as well as resource use and preferences in diverse research contexts. Discusses speed, convenience, familiarity, currency, authoritativeness, reliable availability, and barriers in information-seeking. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the concepts of accountability and quality assessment in higher education. Topics include performance indicators in academic libraries, including international standards; factors affecting the reliability and validity of data, including consistency, ease versus utility, and values; and recommendations for research libraries. (LRW)

Views intercoder reliability as a sampling problem for content analyses. Develops a formula for generating sample sizes needed to have valid reliability estimates. Suggests steps for reporting reliability. (TB)

Studied the reliability and validity of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) with 443 adolescents with Substance Use Disorder and adolescents with anxiety disorder. A confirmatory factor analysis showed that a three-factor model fit the data better than a two-factor model. Discusses other findings, which indicate the STAIC is…

Studied the reliability and convergent validity for 27 composite scales and 2 items covering aspects of alcohol use, smoking, marijuana use, and other drug use. Results indicate 23 of the 27 composite scales had at least acceptable reliability and the remaining 4 scales had at least marginally acceptable reliability. At least moderate construct…

Evaluated the use of case analysis as an accountability measure for demonstrating teacher candidates' abilities to meet targeted course, institutional, and state teaching standards for student motivation and classroom management. Findings for 34 teacher candidates support the generalizability of case analysis ratings, which were shown to…

Studied the reliability, structure, and criterion-related validity of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI; C. Weinstein, 1987) using data from 502 university students. Results suggest that the LASSI may not measure the postulated 10 scales typically used to report results. (SLD)