A progressive time delay procedure in individual instructional sessions using massed-trial presentation was compared to distributed trials presented during transitions from one activity to another. Results with four preschool children with developmental delays indicated that both procedures were implemented reliably, were comparable in efficiency,…

The reliability of diagnoses of mental retardation severity was examined by comparing psychiatric and psychological case records of 126 dually diagnosed (mental retardation and psychiatric disorder) clients. Overall chance-corrected agreement was 0.47. Results suggested that the reliability of diagnostic decisions may be best evaluated by analysis…

Reliability and validity of self-report data provided by 178 mentally ill homeless persons were generally favorable. Self-reports of service use also generally agreed with treatment staff estimates, providing further validity evidence. Researchers and administrators can be relatively confident in using such data. (SLD)

A survey of medicine clerkship directors in 101 United States and Puerto Rican medical schools found descriptor grades the most commonly used, letter grades next most common, and numerical grading systems used by 4 schools. However, there was a lack of consistency in the descriptor grades used. (Author/MSE)

Examines the reliability and validity of the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale (RADS) with 89 young adolescents from an inner-city school. Participants were assessed in their classrooms and then individually retested and interviewed. Results suggest that the RADS provides a reliable and valid assessment of depressive symptomatology in young…

Tests the reliability of Rutkowski's Singing Voice Development Measure for use in general music classrooms, grades one through six. Indicates that the rating scale, although originally designed for young children, is reliable for use when children in grades one through five perform a short, major song in solo. Reports on ancillary problems. (DSK)

Presents a critical review of religious attribution literature. Discusses the development of an instrument to measure religious attributions of responsibility for problem cause and solution. Also discusses analysis of the instrument. Presents research questions that would advance current understanding of religious attributions and notes…

Reports the development and score validation of an instrument for measuring anxieties students experience in college chemistry laboratories. Factor analysis of scores from 361 college students shows that the developed Chemistry Laboratory Anxiety Instrument measures five constructs. Results from a second sample of 598 students show that scores on…

On two occasions, 78 undergraduates completed the Merkler Style Preference Inventory (MSPI) and either the Strong Interest Inventory or Kuder Preference Record. Factor analyses provided preliminary support for the MSPI as an instrument for assessing vocational interests. Evidence of its predictive validity is still needed. (SK)

The reliability and validity properties of the Brigance K&1 screen were examined with a sample of 134 Head Start children preparing to enter kindergarten. Prediction/outcome analyses, intended to explore the test's accuracy in predicting special-education status at the end of preschool, indicated a relatively high false negative rate and a…

In Scotland, one "value added" (VA) indicator of secondary school effectiveness measures students' relative "progress" between Standard and Higher grade in particular subjects. When random nonschool factors affecting students' geography performance were computer-simulated to determine VA fluctuation over 25 years, the…

Explores how reliability and validity of assessment results should be conceived and covered in teacher education. Discusses each of the standards for teacher competence in assessment developed by the American Federation of Teachers in conjunction with other groups. Reviews coverage of these topics in frequently used textbooks. (SLD)

Demonstrates the use of Generalizability (G) theory as an alternative method of validating direct behavioral measures. Reliability and validity from a classic test score theory are explored and rephrased in terms of G theory. Two studies that used oral reading fluency measures within a curriculum-based measurement approach are examined with G…

Reciprocal, paired, qualitative, formative peer assessment of academic writing by 12 educational psychology postgraduate students was compared to staff assessments. Although there was very little evidence of conflict between views of staff and peers, assessments focused on different details. Students found the process time consuming,…

Developed a new instrument, the Basic Technology Competencies for Educators Inventory (BTCEI), using the responses of 437 undergraduate and graduate teacher education students. Results support the theoretical structure of the BTCEI. Scores for the nine domains had high internal consistency reliability and adequate stability reliability. (SLD)