Two tests of critical thinking (the Cornell Critical Thinking Test and the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal) were evaluated by a panel of psychologists relative to the validity, reliability, and error of measurement standards stated in the "Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests," 1974. (PN)

The Play Rating Scale was developed to observe young children's behaviors in four different areas of play: physical, block, manipulative, and dramatic. In each area, observations focus on frequency, ability, and creativity in communicating ideas; social levels of participation; and leadership capability. A total of 2,400 three-, four- and…

Explains how tables of specifications (used in estabishing content validity) and item analysis (a modificatin of item difficulty) can readily be used by the classroom teacher to design well-balanced tests. (HOD)

An eight test battery was constructed to measure four specific cognitive abilities in preschool children: verbal skill, memory, perceptual speed, and spatial ability. Based on results of factor analyses of the testing of 98 three year olds, a shorter version, consisting of four tests, was devised which shows promising validity. (Author/BS)

Factor analyzed the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised for both upper- and lower-socioeconomic-status classifications from the standardization sample (N=2,200). Results showed that the three-factor solution was most appropriate for both groups and that factor structure appeared to be invariant with regard to socioeconomic status.…

A study determining that a single test incorporating several special features can adequately place and evaluate native speakers and nonnative learners of Spanish is described. The description of native speaker proficiency is also refined. (MSE)

Describes the development and validation of an instrument to test the biology-related attitudes of science students in grades 10-12 in Indonesia. Validation procedures included use of latent partition analysis to examine the conceptual structure of the instrument. (Author/JN)

Bipolar adjective rating scales were constructed to evaluate selected needs from Murray's theory of personality. Internal consistency estimates of the bipolar adjective measures compared favorably to those of the Personality Research Form scales. Results suggest that certain personality traits are more amenable to valid measurement by bipolar…

The results of this study of the factorial validity of the Bias in Attitudes Survey (BIAS) suggest the the BIAS in relation to other sex-role scales is measuring more complete and complex attitudes toward sex roles. Two factors represented both the traditional view of male/female roles and a nonsexist view. (Author/BW)

Discusses Johnson's decision-making theory that information can be gathered in a systematic or spontaneous manner and analyzed either externally or internally. Applies the theory to the helping relationship, assesses the styles of a decision-making inventory, and attempts to determine the reliability and validity of the inventory. (JAC)

Explores the potential for using computers in the diagnosis of learning disabilities. Describes a prototype computer based system designed to assist teachers in the assessment of reading difficulties. (FL)

Rehabilitation clients completed the Mini-Mult Test. Their responses were factor analyzed and reduced to four factors using Cattell's Screen Test. The first three factors replicated those found in previous research while the fourth had no parallel. The first three factors were retained as subscales. (NG)

The "CSE Program Evaluation Kit" is a series of nine books intended to assist people conducting program evaluations. This volume, the seventh in the kit, provides an overview of a variety of approaches to measuring performance outcomes. It presents considerations in deciding what to measure and in selecting or developing instruments best suited to…

A group of 44 undergraduates was administered the Personal Orientation Inventory under different instructions to fake good'' toward two expectations. Results indicated that scores were significantly affected in the hypothesized directions. Earlier findings about the effect of dissimulation on PO1 scores were equivocal and conclusions expressed…