Administered the Gesell Development Exam and the Bracken Basic Concept Scale (BBCS) to kindergarten graduates (N=80). Found the BBCS may be a better predictor of achievement from a current state of readiness. (Author/ABL)

In response to a previous article, this article addresses issues raised about the identification of subjects as learning disabled and the use of the Modern Language Aptitude Test as a predictor of success. (JL)

This study examined the comparability and predictive validity of three approaches to measurement of child or adolescent maltreatment, involving the adolescents themselves (n=160), case file review by researchers, and protection agency social workers. Comparison of ratings across sources indicated considerable disagreement with respect to judgments…

Reports a study that examined the criterion-related validity of the modified sit-and-reach test against criterion measures of hamstring and low back flexibility in college students. Results indicated the modified sit-and-reach test moderately related to hamstring flexibility, but its relation to low back flexibility was low. (SM)

The objective inmate classification system in use in California's prisons is described. Evaluation of 14,091 cases suggests that the system reduces the rate of increase in the incidence of serious prisoner misconduct. Empirical evaluation of the system is recommended, and implications for correctional programs and public policy are discussed. (SLD)

Two forms of Holland's Hexagon Model (circular order and circumplex structure) are proposed and evaluated to demonstrate a randomization test of hypothesized order relations and confirmatory factor analysis. The models and methods are illustrated with correlation matrices based on the Unisex Edition of the ACT Interest Inventory. (Author/SK)

Analysis of 551 Alberta veterinarians' intention to participate in continuing education revealed that the Triandis model of behavioral intention had greater predictive utility than the Fishbein-Azjen. Participation was largely determined by behavioral intention, which was influenced by attitude toward the program. (SK)

Three standardized measures of short-term memory (STM) were compared to determine their relative efficacy in predicting reading achievement for 36 primary-grade students over a two-year period. A letter sequences test was found to be the most frequently associated with reading performance. A memory-for-sentences task also showed a significant…

Content analysis and trend extrapolation using case studies of 18 workplace literacy programs in Canada were used to develop a framework of good practice. Elements included program orientation, partnerships, equity, change agents, assessment, ongoing learning, adult education foundations, content, delivery, professional development, and…

Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) have advantages over other methods for predicting violent behavior recidivism because they are independent of the base rate for violence in the populations studied and of particular cutoff score chosen to classify cases as likely to be violent. Shows how ROC methods can be used to compare performance of…

Presents a study in which 74 boys with reading disabilities and a matched control group of normal readers were followed during their compulsory schooling (to grade 9). Assesses word decoding performance on three occasions. Finds that the most powerful predictor is early reading performance and non-verbal intelligence. Notes that neither teaching…

Objective:: The purpose was to identify different operational definitions of maltreatment severity, and then to examine their predictive validity. Method:: Children and their primary caregivers participating in a consortium of ongoing longitudinal studies were interviewed when they were approximately 4 and 8 years of age to assess behavior…

The reliability and validity of the Attachment Q Sort (AQS; Waters & Deane, 1985) was tested in a series of meta-analyses on 139 studies with 13,835 children. The observer AQS security score showed convergent validity with Strange Situation procedure (SSP) security (r=31) and excellent predictive validity with sensitivity measures (r=39). Its…

Body composition measurements vary greatly in degree of measurement difficulty and accuracy. Hydrostatic weighing, chemical dilution or their equivalents were the accepted "gold" standards for assessing fat mass. Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is fast replacing these techniques as the preferred standard. However, these direct measurement…

We examined the criterion validity of parent and self-report versions of the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI) in children with high levels of externalizing problems. The sample included 412 children (206 participants and 206 siblings) participating in a family study of attention and aggressive behavior problems. Criterion validity…