This study investigates the validity of the Self-Assessment of Relative Strengths in Teaching (SARST), an instrument which measures self-expressed competence in teaching techniques. Its psychometric properties are discussed, including construct validity, stability, and internal consistency. Suggestions for possible use of the instrument in teacher…

Information on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, a major revision of the Vineland Social Maturity Scale, covers authors, publisher, prices, copyright dates and revisions, groups for whom the instrument is intended, forms, purpose and recommended use, dimensions measured, administration, data summation, score interpretation, test…

The author discusses issues in the development of admissions tests by home study schools. He covers the construction of tests, emphasizing (1) consistency, (2) validity, and (3) normative data sampling. (CH)

Outlines the procedures involved in the construction of the Canadian version of the Life Roles Inventory-Values Scale (Canadian Work Importance Study, 1986), developed in both French and English. Describes studies of the reliability (internal consistency, test-retest, and alternate form), and validity (construct, convergent, discriminant, and…

Describes and compares two self-report measures of family competence: the Family Awareness Scales (FAS) (Green and Kolevzon, late 1970s) and the Self-Report Family Inventory (SFI) (Beavers, 1983). Discusses reliability and validity. Their focus on the "insider" (family member) is different from the traditional examination of family…

Reviews the Diagnostic Achievement Test for Adolescents (DATA), a test designed to be individually administered to estimate student achievement (for ages 12 to 18) in a variety of academic areas. Concludes that the test is well constructed and easy to use. (SKC)

Discusses aspects of psychological testing as a job screening tool. Examines sampling errors, cumulative effect of bad tests, measurement of specific personality traits, test standards, using tests correctly, test validity, cut-off policies, demographic questions, and practical tips for taking such tests. (CT)

An Attitudes-Toward-Computer Usage Scale (ATCUS) was developed in two studies: (1) 40 items were administered to 365 undergraduate students to assess attitudes toward the use of computers; (2) based on factor analysis results, the scale was reduced to 20 items and administered to 351 undergraduates. Results show the ATCUS to be a reliable…

Examined whether a more theoretically consistent version of the Cognitive Differentiation Grid (CDG) would yield results different from the currently used CDG. Found that college students (N=84) using their own constructs evidenced greater vocational differentiation than did those using the CDG and that males evidenced greater vocational…

A comprehensive assessment of children with Attention Deficit Disorder should include use of teacher rating scales. Rater biases, positive and negative halo effects, practice effects, and other problems are outweighed by the ease of use, low cost, and reasonable reliability and validity of teacher rating scales. (Author/DB)

Concludes that the instrument reviewed is a carefully designed test incorporating a new interpretation of standardization and improved definitions of traditional reading levels. (FL)

Each of the many methods or approaches to assessing student learning is based on a clear understanding of validity, reliability, course objectives, the advantages and disadvantages of different evaluation formats, and the ways assessment data will be used to improve instruction. (Author/MSE)

Investigated certain measurement properties of the Ethical Judgment Scale. Results revealed findings of questionable validity and unacceptably low reliability for the instrument even though three different scoring methods were used in the analysis. (Author)

Examined internal structure of a modified version of the Gross Cohesiveness Scale (GCS) to determine factors involved in group cohesiveness as measured by the GCS. Performed Pearson product-moment correlations, factor analysis, and cluster analysis. Found two separate and distinct factors: affective and cognitive, both aspects of social cohesion.…

A shortened version of Zaichkowsky's 20-item Personal Involvement Inventory was created, removing four items which might be difficult to understand for noncollege-educated populations. The 16-item modified version had acceptable internal consistency; test-retest reliability; and factorial and predictive validity. (Author/GDC)