Three methods based on the nonparametric item response theory (IRT) of R. J. Mokken for the estimation of the reliability of single dichotomous test items are discussed. Analytical and Monte Carlo studies show that one method, designated "MS," is superior because of smaller bias and smaller sampling variance. (SLD)

Study examines the reliability and validity of the Instructional Climate Survey-Form S (ICI-S), a 20-item instrument that measures school climate, administered to students (N=328) in three programs. Analysis indicates that ICI-S was best explained by one factor. Reliability coeffecients of the total score were within the acceptable range for all…

Discusses the validity and reliability of teacher observation in gifted child research. The benefits of teacher observation include an increase in professional authority and self-consciousness of teachers, an enrichment of the quality of relationships between teachers and parents of gifted students, and a revelation of the educational needs of…

Examined development of child and adolescent self-concept in two overlapping age cohorts as a function of the self-concept domain, social/developmental/educational transitions, and gender. Structural equation modeling addressed questions about stability of individual differences over time. Multilevel modeling addressed questions about mean-level…

Studied the psychometric properties of the Six-Factor Self-Concept Scale (J. Stake, 1994) in a sample of 185 racial/ethnic minority college women. Results support the reliability and construct validity of the subscale scores of the instrument and the potential usefulness of the scale for studying ethnic and cultural differences. (SLD)

Developed a procedure for defining achievement levels on continuous scales using aspects of Guttman scaling (L. Guttman, 1950) and Item Response Theory. Using data from high school mathematics tests for about 6,000 students, found the new procedure to have higher reliability, higher classification consistency, and lower classification error than…

Developed and evaluated an assessment of orthographic knowledge designed to help teachers interpret children's spellings for instruction and to advance understanding of how children acquire knowledge of words. Reliability and validity studies with 1,016 urban and rural elementary school students support the use of the Developmental Spelling…

Reports on a longitudinal study of public-library borrowing that shows that high-volume borrowers are both consistent and persistent in their borrowing. Topics include identification of high-intensity borrowers; exploration of behavioral consistency; persistence of use; and personal and behavioral characteristics. (Author/LRW)

This survey explored faculty members' satisfaction toward the Web as a research source. Describes use of the End-User Computing Satisfaction instrument and discusses results that indicate that faculty members question the accuracy and reliability of much Web-based information and the sufficiency of Web resources for research. (Author/LRW)

Developed indicators of classroom practice using teacher assignments to monitor the influence of school reform initiatives on students' learning environments and to support the improvement of instructional practice. Results for classes of 32 third and seventh grade teachers show good reliability and consistency in ratings based on assignments.…

Explored the measurement issues in a two-stage evaluation for an outstanding faculty award. Thirty college teachers were rated by 293 students using a newly developed inventory. Items fit a Rasch model fairly well, and the separation reliability for the teachers was high. A cut score was established, and a short version was developed. (SLD)

Investigates the relationship between nonverbal behaviors of immediacy and dominance on teachers' initial impressions of trust toward a supervisor. Notes that supervisor immediacy resulted in higher perceptions of trust than supervisor dominance, and immediacy also rated higher on measures of appropriateness and effectiveness than dominance.…

The reliability and validity of a Dutch version of the Ego Identity Process Questionnaire (EIPQ) were evaluated. In Study 1, the instrument was found to exhibit a clear factor structure and acceptable reliability. Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, both a model with two process factors (Commitment, Exploration) and a model with four content…

Research aimed at developing and validating an instrument to assess secondary school students' perceptions of assessment tasks was conducted. Following a review of literature, a five-scale instrument of 40 items was trialled with a sample of 658 science students in 11 English secondary schools. Based on internal consistency reliability data and…

Since their first appearance in 1983, the "U.S. News & World Report" rankings of colleges and graduate schools have generated much debate. This article takes a closer look at the "U.S. News" ranking formulas and finds an empirical basis for critics' concerns. The article begins with an overview of the rankings, followed by a discussion of the…