Research relating to the factor structure of the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) and the Clinical Analysis Questionnaire is reviewed. Different opinions about the factors measured by the 16PF are discussed. Focusing on the second-order factor level could eliminate problems with the instruments' reliability. (SLD)

The issue of test user competency arises from the question of restrictions on the use of psychological tests. The only justifiable basis for restricting test use is one that reflects the skills and competencies of the user. Ultimately, only professional judgment determines whether a test is properly used. (SLD)

The following issues in psychological testing in Australia are reviewed: (1) commercialization of testing; (2) test user qualifications; and (3) computerization of testing. Proposed solutions include development of user guidelines, accreditation standards, test standards, and a network of test data information; and regulation by a professional…

Two memory tests for neuropsychologists--the Denman Neuropsychology Memory Scale and the Recognition Memory Test--are reviewed, with attention to test administration and technical features. Both tests are considered useful additions to the repertoire of tests of memory function. Implications of and cautions concerning their use in Australia are…

The manual for the Fourth Edition of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale is reviewed. The test has been updated in content and design, following a rationale that is likely to make it a major individual intelligence test. The test appears readily adaptable to use in Australia. (SLD)

The appropriateness of American norms for the School Motivation Analysis Test (SMAT) for use in Australia was studied, using 277 Australian secondary school students (99 males and 178 females). The SMAT appeared suitable for use with Australian secondary school students and the available norms appeared appropriate. (SLD)

A factor analysis was conducted on the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory-Adult Short Form using 237 college students and 43 female office workers in Australia. Factors were found corresponding with three of the four subscales: general self, social self-peers, and home-parents (family). No factor related to the school-academic (work) subscale. (SLD)

Research on the use of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) with hearing-impaired children is reviewed. An adaptation for the hearing-impaired was administered to 127 deaf children approximating the WISC-R standardization sample. The WISC-R appeared to provide satisfactory psychometric assessment when its limitations were…

The 80-item Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal-Form A was administered to 415 business management students in Australia as a step toward adapting the test for Australian use. The results correspond reasonably closely to the U.S. data. Analysis of group results and item statistics provided information about necessary modifications. (SLD)

The criterion validity of the primary, elementary, and intermediate school forms of the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) in an Australian context was studied. Results with about 8,000 children in grades 1 through 8 support the criterion validity of the OLSAT for Australian samples. (SLD)

Use of the Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test in Australia was studied by comparing it with existing research, scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R), and other attainment tests. Subjects were 142 children aged 7-11 years. The suitability of the instrument in Australia is discussed. (SLD)

Research on the standardization, reliability, validity, factor structure, and subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) (1945) and its revised version (1987) is reviewed. Much research relating to the WMS appears to be relevant to the revised version. Use of the instrument in Australia is discussed. (SLD)

The theoretical background, organization, performance subtests (object assembly, geometric design, block design, mazes, picture completion, and animal pegs), verbal subtests (information, comprehension, arithmetic, vocabulary, similarities, and sentences), reliability, validity (factor analysis), interpretation, advantages, and limitations of the…

Using age norms in the Neale Analysis of Reading Ability-Revised assessments of reading ability can distort the diagnosis of reading difficulty, as evidenced in the assessment practices of the New South Wales (Australia) Department of Education. Grade-normative data (year-level norms) and abandoning the reporting of precise reading scores are…

S. Matthey shows that errors may be inherent in the misuse of age-normative data in assessing reading ability. However, Matthey ignores the policies and procedures of the New South Wales (Australia) Department of Education to guard against such misuse. (SLD)