Discusses the use of the Test of Written Language (3rd ed.) in assessing the writing ability of students with significant hearing losses. Reviews the test's format, administration, scoring, standardization and norming. Evaluates the test's reliability and validity as a screening tool for determining student strengths and weaknesses. (CR)

Examines the generalizability of the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) through research with Black South African samples. The estimates of the factor structure as well as other reliability and validity estimates provided strong support for the generalizability of the PSI to South African Black college students. The results also provided partial…

Examines the psychometric properties of a set of preliteracy measures modified from the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) with a sample of 75 kindergarten students. The results of the analysis support the use of the DIBELS-M measures for identification of kindergarten students who are at-risk for reading failure and for…

The reliability and validity of a procedure to measure diagnostic-reasoning and problem-solving skills taught in predoctoral orthodontic education were studied using 68 second year dental students. The procedure includes stimulus material and 33 multiple-choice items. It is a feasible way of assessing problem-solving skills in dentistry education…

Hearing-impaired students (n=324) in grades 9-11 were administered the Adolescent-Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences. The measure was found to be valid and reliable for measuring subjects' coping skills and for assessing students' suitability for various types of educational placements. (Author/JDD)

Examines reliability and validity of two versions of Hispanic Stress Inventory (HSI), a new instrument to assess psychosocial stress among Hispanic adults. Subscale scores found to correlate highly with criterion measures of distress. Tests showed internal consistency and supported HSI reliability. Need for further evaluation discussed. (TES)

The development, preliminary assessment, and uses of two paper-and-pencil measures of dyadic perspective-taking are described. A literature review revealed 23 perspective-taking type items each for the Self Dyadic Perspective-Taking Scale and the Other Dyadic Perspective-Taking Scale. Results for 277 college students indicate that the tests are…

Examined, through analysis of questions about conflict between separated parents (N=327), three hypotheses about the relationship among frequency and intensity response questions. Found associations among related intensity items possibly stronger than those among related frequency items; associated intensity items and associated frequency items…

The psychometric integrity of a short form of the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress was evaluated, based on data provided by 66 mothers and 66 fathers of 33 handicapped and 33 nonhandicapped preschool children. Alpha reliability, factor structure, and construct validity analyses indicated that the measure has reasonable psychometric integrity.…

Information in published articles on communicative testing is examined and discussed from the point of view of a classroom teacher. The administrability, reliability, and validity of communicative language testing are highlighted. (MSE)

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised is a semistructured interview for caregivers of children/adults for whom autism/pervasive developmental disorders is a possible diagnosis. The interview was reorganized, shortened, and modified for children with mental ages from 18 months into adulthood. Its psychometric properties are strong for preschool…

Tests the validity of the Principle-Centered Living Survey (PCLS), which measures principle-centeredness. Results from a convenience sample (n=232) indicate that the PCLS possesses excellent internal consistency and construct validity. (JPS)

Presents reliability and validity analyses for samples of sixth- and eighth-grade students for newly constructed scales measuring adolescent alcohol use and its risk factors. Results demonstrate that young adolescents can give reliable and valid responses to self-report measures previously used with older adolescents. (JPS)

The reliability and validity of a newly constructed instrument, the Breast Self-Examination Proficiency Rating Instrument, was tested with 84 instructed and 80 uninstructed nursing students. Results support beginning reliability and preliminary validity when the instrument is used in a controlled setting. (SLD)

The Condom Attitude Scale by W.P. Saco and others (1991) was modified for use with adolescents. Four studies involving 595 African American and 52 white adolescents demonstrate acceptable internal consistency, a stable factor structure, and criterion and convergent validity with other measures conceptually related to condom use attitudes. (SLD)