The purpose of diagnostic language assessment is to identify learner strengths and weaknesses so that subsequent learning activity can be planned according to learner needs, a purpose which aligns with pedagogical recommendations to individualize instruction. Indeed, the extent to which diagnostic assessment can inform the selection of…

As the most prestigious and popular standardized achievement test to certify examinees' proficiency of the English language at the national level, Foreign Language Examination (YDS) has been mostly taken by academic staff, undergraduate and graduate students, state employees, and military personnel for years in Turkey. The current study set out to…

Language tests are increasingly being used as gatekeeping tools in a globalised world. This article examines the processes of linguistic gatekeeping by the use of language tests in the context of migration. We draw on half a dozen cases of test-takers of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test who applied for entry into…

International institutions have been increasingly using the "GRE"® revised General Test to admit students to graduate programs.However, little is known about how scores from the GRE revised General Test are used in the admission process outside of the United States and their validity in predicting graduate students' performance (e.g.,…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ways in which universities use the "GRE"® General Test scores to award merit-based fellowships to first-year graduate students in doctoral programs. While GRE use in fellowship award decisions is a common practice, there is very little validity evidence to support its use in this context.…

In line with expanded conceptualizations of validity that encompass the interpretations and uses of test scores in particular policy contexts, this report presents results of a comparative analysis of institutional understandings and uses of 3 international English proficiency tests widely used for tertiary selection--the "TOEFL iBT"®…

The problem of attrition in online learning has drawn attention from distance education administrators and chief academic officers of higher education institutions. Many studies have addressed factors related to student attrition, persistence and retention in online courses. However, few studies have examined how student expectations influence…

Educational assessment and, more broadly, educational research in the United States have entered into an era characterized by a dramatic increase in the prevalence and importance of test score use in accountability systems. This volume covers a selection of contemporary issues about testing science and practice that impact the nation's public…

Hierarchical regression analyses of the scores of 136 doctoral students on the Research Self-Efficacy Scale indicate that 3 subscales (early tasks, conceptualization, and implementation) account for the variance in prediction of interest in research. Number of years in graduate school and research involvement are significant predictors of research…

Results of 3 studies, involving 80 adult employees, 6,810 defense contractor employees, and 88 graduate students, support the reliability and validity of a new measure of global work autonomy, the Global Work Autonomy Scale (B. Ashforth and A. Saks, 1995). (SLD)

Examined internal consistency, construct validity, and content validity of the Ethical Judgment Scale using 61 counseling graduate students. Findings indicated need for a revision of the instrument. (Author/ABL)

Problems with current predictors of success for graduate students (Graduate Record Examinations and grades) include restriction of range artifacts, grade inflation, and the increasing diversity of examinees. A case is made as to why noncognitive variables can add to the validity of selecting graduate students. Legal, moral, ethical, and…

The construct validity and internal consistency (reliability) of the 30-item form of the Leadership Behavior Descriptive Questionnaire (E. Fleishman, 1957; A. Halpin and B. Winer, 1957) as presented in a current leadership text was assessed. Classroom teachers and administrators (n=187) completed the instrument. Although reliability was found to…

Predictive relationships between the scores of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and graduate grade point average (GGPA) and the scores of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and GGPA were studied for 60 college students. The GRE had a stronger correlation to GGPA than the GMAT. (SLD)

Discusses revision of Supervisor Emphasis Rating Form (SERF) into ipsative instrument and suggests future research that could profitably be done with new instrument. Explains rationale for choosing ipsative format and presents findings of study conducted to establish instrument reliability. SERF-Revised is appended. (Author/NB)