States that the correlation between social desirability (SD) and hopelessness is open to several interpretations, but, in the absence of further data, concern for false-negative rates dictates caution in interpreting hopelessness scores when assessing suicidal behavior. Presents data on the relationship of SD, hopelessness, and prediction of…

Raters are generally able to fake or distort their ratings but are unable even with modest accuracy to estimate what ratings they gave (faked). Users of forced-choice tests should be aware of resentment by respondents. Ideally a supportive work climate should exist. (Author/JAC)

The results of this study indicate that the WISC-R IQs are good predictors of achievement. They predict general achievement as represented by the PIAT total score and achievement in specific areas including reading recognition, mathematics, and spelling as measured by the PIAT. (Author)

The relationship between selected subtests from the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and corresponding subtests administered as computerized adaptive tests (CAT) was investigated using a sample of Marine recruits. Results showed that the CAT subtest scores correlated as well with initial ASVAB scores as did ASVAB retest scores,…

The validity of the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-Revised (PDQ-R) was examined. The PDQ-R and the Crowne-Marlowe Social Desirability Scale (SD) were administered in the spring of 1989 to 45 undergraduates (26 females and 19 males) at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. One month later, the Hopkins Symptom Check List (SCL-90) was…

The reliability and meaning of assertiveness tests were explored using 120 female undergraduates. Several self-report inventories (the College Self-Expression Scale, Conflict Resolution Inventory, and a global rating from one to seven) were administered, as were three anxiety measures (Timed Behavior Checklist, response latency, and response…

AN INVESTIGATION AND EVALUATION OF TOTAL INFANT AND PRESCHOOL MENTAL TESTING SITUATIONS AND SOME CONCLUSIONS AS TO THE CURRENT NEEDS IN THIS AREA ARE PRESENTED. THESE APPROACHES ARE MADE TO THE PROBLEM. FIRST, THE THEORETICAL THINKING ON THE NATURE OF INTELLIGENCE AND HOW IT DEVELOPS IN CHILDREN IS TRACED. THERE HAS BEEN DISAGREEMENT OVER THE…

Psychological testing has recently fallen into disrepute because psychoanalysts have perpetuated a fraudulent theory of personality and because psychometrists have become overly concerned with psychometric esthetics to the neglect of validity. The theory subscribed to by psychoanalysts holds behavior as relatively independent of the situation the…

With the intent of spurring discussion and raising important issues about the topic of test standards, this circular serves primarily as a resource document for member organizations of the National Consortium on Testing (NCT). Additionally, it identifies the broad changes which have evolved since 1953 regarding ethical and technical standards for…

COUNSELORS OFTEN ADMINISTER TESTS OF QUESTIONABLE VALIDITY. IN RELIABILITY STUDIES, EVERY PRECAUTION IS TAKEN TO STABILIZE THE STIMULUS SITUATION. IN ASSESSING VALIDITY, CONCERN CENTERS ON BEHAVIOR UNDER DIFFERENT STIMULUS CONDITIONS. CRONBACH'S THEORETICAL LIMIT FOR A VALIDITY COEFFICIENT OF A TEST IS THE SQUARE ROOT OF THE RELIABILITY…

The California Critical Thinking Skills Test: College Level (CCTST) is a standardized test that targets core college-level critical thinking skills. It has been characterized as the best commercially available critical thinking skills assessment instrument. Building from CCTST validation studies in 1989 and 1990, this paper proposes avenues for…

This book addresses the question of what tests are measures of. Intelligence, achievement, and personality tests not based on empirical investigation have questionable validity. Some researchers now suspect that almost all tests given to students in all subjects, as well as general tests of intelligence and personality, are essentially language…