Social scientists have long agreed that satisficing behavior increases error and reduces the validity of survey data. There have been numerous reviews on detecting satisficing behavior, but preventing this behavior has received less attention. The current narrative review provides empirically supported guidance on preventing satisficing by…

The paper explores data interpretation in observational recording by examining and illustrating techniques for visually inspecting graphically displayed data. These procedures may assist the educator in determining the impact of intervention procedures on learner performance. (Author/CL)

This paper presents a method designed to assist practitioners in the interpretation of the practical significance of a statistically significant logistic regression coefficient is presented. To avoid the interpretation problems encountered when using the traditionally reported change in either the log odds or odds values, this method centers the…

Discusses knowledge needed by counselors to help in choosing appropriate tests for particular clients and problems under consideration and in properly interpreting test scores and integrating them into the total assessment process. Focuses on both statistical and technical knowledge about tests and substantive psychological knowledge about…

Argues that as individual instruments the two types of psychological measures can be distinguished but emphasizes that the distinction between the measures as classes of instruments is less viable. (BL)

One explanation for the argument that tests contribute little to the counseling process, may be that counselor training has focused on technical aspects of testing rather than application. Principles and procedures to follow in interpreting tests are explored, including counselor and client preparation, delivery, and follow-up of the…

Good assessment is key to providing effective intervention, and thoughtful interpretation of assessment results is an important part of the intervention. This chapter focuses on the consultant and service recipient in the test interpretation process, including ways to help all participants in this process. In addition, case examples illustrate the…

Developed a system of tables to facilitate interpretation of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. Presents tables that organize the McCarthy subtests according to three systems of interpretation, and organize McCarthy Scales into categories that reflect factors likely to influence various subtests. (Author/RC)

The article reviews the development of infant cognitive assessment and describes selected tests. Considerations in choosing, administering, and interpreting the results of infant intelligence/cognitive assessment instruments are outlined. The usefulness of cognitive assessment is discussed as are new approaches to assessment. (Author/DB)

Confidence intervals for the 80, 85, 90, and 95 percent levels of confidence are presented for the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) using the estimated true score and obtained score based methods. Separate tables are provided for ages 2-1/2 to 18 and ages 19 and above. (Author/VW)

Recognizing the strong relationship between academic achievement and career options, this chapter reviews the major career assessments, their unique purposes, some technical considerations, and the types of scores used. Ways are suggested to enhance interpretation of career assessments using high-speed computers, Internet storage capacity and…

Psychologist Andrea diSessa coined the term "phenomenological primitives", or p-prims, to talk about nonexperts' reasoning about physical situations. P-prims are primitive in the sense that they stand without significant explanatory substructure or explanation. Examples are "Heavy objects fall faster than light objects" and "Continuing force is…

Global achievement tests are best used for broad purposes (program evaluation) or purposes such as screening which will be followed up with more precise instruments. (SB)

Suggests that counselors might profitably investigate new graphic approaches to showing clients what their multivariate profiles mean. Gives illustration in terms of Holland's RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional) model of vocational interests. Notes that same issues and principles of graphic display would…

The booklet describes seven assessment instruments that may be helpful in planning educational programs for mildly educationally handicapped secondary students. Each instrument is outlined in terms of ordering information, target population, areas assessed, materials included, time required for administration, group size, format and…