The reliability and validity of the Attachment Q Sort (AQS; Waters & Deane, 1985) was tested in a series of meta-analyses on 139 studies with 13,835 children. The observer AQS security score showed convergent validity with Strange Situation procedure (SSP) security (r=31) and excellent predictive validity with sensitivity measures (r=39). Its…

Examined factor structure of the emotional Autonomy Scale (EAS) in 3 samples of adolescents, with each sample consisting of 3 racial/ethnic groups. Found that the EAS exhibited poor construct validity and behaved quite differently for different grade and ethnic groups. Suggested that the most credible solution may be to reexamine the conceptual…

Evaluates validity of the Denver Developmental Screening Test used for assessing the development of preschoolers. (AJ)

A group-administerable version of Kohlberg's Moral Judgment Interview (MJI) was psychometrically evaluated. Results showed that the Sociomoral Reflection Measure has acceptable concurrent validity with the MJI as well as high levels of construct validity and reliability. (Author/MP)

The Neurobehavioral Assessment of the Preterm Infant instrument was developed by means of pilot, exploratory, and validation studies. The validation study tested the generalizability of results for different cohorts, test versions, hospitals, and examiners. Seven stable functions were identified: motor development; scarf sign; popliteal angle;…

Presents data showing that the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory's (CDI) large variability, lack of stability, and insufficient ability to predict early language delay are authentic reflections of individual differences in early language development rather than measurement deficiencies. Responds to critiques regarding sociodemographic…

Data on 11 samples of 1,012 toddlers used to construct and validate the Toddler Behavior Assessment Questionnaire (TBAQ) revealed that the component of negative affectivity (anger proneness and fearfulness) were independent, and item analysis suggested that shyness and other fears were independent as well. (MDM)

A recognition measure of Kohlbergian moral reasoning, developed on the basis of a production measure, was psychometrically evaluated. Results showed that the Sociomoral Reflection Objective Measure has acceptable concurrent validity and high levels of test-retest reliability and internal consistency. (Author/CI)

Findings indicate Type A behavior was related in preschoolers to ratings of aggression and impatience, but not to intelligence. Reaction times of Type B children who worked without a time limit and an incentive were significantly longer than those of Type A children and those of Type B children who worked with a time limit and an incentive.…

Findings suggested a reliability problem and raised a question of validity with the use of total response frequencies based on relatively unlimited free responses to the SCST-Form A. (Author)

Evaluated new self-report measure assessing children's strategies for preserving emotional security in context of interparental conflict. Factor analyses of the Security in the Interparental Subsystem (SIS) Scale supported a 7-factor solution. The SIS demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Support for test…

A neurobehavioral maturity assessment which used data from preterm infants was developed. Eight dimensions of neurobehavioral functioning were found to be stable, nonredundant, and developmentally valid. (PCB)

A self-administered rating scale containing 24 items thought to reflect the major components of Type A behavior was developed to assess Type A behavior in children. The scale was judged to be reliable after tests were conducted among 160 public school fifth and sixth graders and yielded the following factors: "eagergy"…

The Feelings about School (FAS) measure was used to examine factors associated with kindergartners' and first-graders' feelings about school. Findings provided support for the reliability and validity of the FAS for both groups. Students' feelings about school were associated with their academic skills, especially for first-graders. Relation of…

Describes the development and validation of an index of empathy for use with children and adolescents. Fifty-six first-graders, 115 fourth graders, and 87 seventh graders were studied. (Author/RH)