Sociology students were administered two Thurstone-type attitude scales under two conditions (with or without a "cannot decide" option), and a measure of ambiguity tolerance. The "cannot decide" option was used by a slight majority of students when available, but usage was not related to ambiguity tolerance. (Author/JKS)

Intelligence testing has a place in assessment and placement procedures. (PHR)

The author examines the question of children's intellectual rights in two ways: first, how the question of rights in general arises, and, second, the rights implied in two educational contexts--testing and classroom lessons. (MJB)

Two approaches to the validation of occupational interest inventories are considered. The approaches vary according to whether one is interested in predicting students' occupational preferences as opposed to assisting counselors in advisement. One empirical example using female college students is presented. (Author/JKS)

The decline in scholastic aptitude test ( SAT) scores does not signify that the quality of education is lower. To interpret this decline requires an understanding of the testing process, changing racial and sex mix of the test makers, changing lifestyle of youth, and the increase in the number of students taking the SAT. (Author/AM)

Reports on the development and validation of a new junior high school version of the Test On Understanding Science (TOUS).

A new program for testing basic skills at the higher education level has been developed by the New Jersey Basic Skills Council. However, there is concern on how the tests will be reported, whether students will opt for private colleges since this requirement applies to public colleges only, and on how the data will be used. Also discusses what the…

WISC subtest scores of children from rural mountainous cultural areas were higher for performance skills (object assembly, picture completion) than for verbal skills (information, similarities), suggesting that social and economic deprivation influence verbal comprehension abilities more than perceptual organization skills. (RL)

Methods used in validating construct interpretations of self-concept measurements are briefly reviewed, and relevant papers presented in this special issue are discussed. The strengths and limitations of each paper are outlined. Thirty bibliographical references are included. (Author/MV)

The diversity among interpretations of single items in personality questionnaires has been noted previously. Using adjectives from the Adjective Check List (ACL), the study sought evidence bearing on these questions: Does such diversity make the responses to an item not comparable across subjects? If so, what are the implications for scores based…

This analysis serves mostly to point towards some possible productive research areas giving priority to areas that are more easily manageable politically. These are more commonly located within the school context. (Author/AM)

The A-Level literature exams are criticized for using language that is too vague or too difficult, and concepts too involved or sophisticated for the student. It is suggested that examiners confer with teachers and compose questions that are clear and explicit. (CHK)

Tests can identify the strengths and weaknesses of the child, not only in terms of right and wrong answers, but also in terms of how and why the child succeeds or fails to meet significant mathematical standards. (JD)

Two forms of a test of consumer competency, developed as valid, reliable, normed tests in consumer education, were given to Illinois public school students in grades 8-12. A comparison of mean scores indicated that students who had completed a consumer education course scored higher on both test forms than those who had not. Test results are shown…

Describes the educational trend being debated in the United States and its effect on English instruction there and in Australia. (RL)