Presents a unified concept of test validity that integrates both the scientific and ethical considerations of test interpretation and use. Argues that the appropriateness, meaningfulness, and usefulness of score-based inferences are inseparable, and that this integration is based on construct validity. (FMW)

Examined associations of two different response sets on the Infrequent Response Index of the Strong Interest Inventory. In one, 25 participants responded to each item randomly; in the other, 25 participants deliberately misrepresented their responses. Finding scores higher than those proposed in Strong Interest Inventory manual for Infrequent…

Presents an instructional model based on Neurolinguistic Programming that links counseling student course work in measurement and test interpretation with counseling techniques and theory. A process incorporating Neurolinguistic Programming patterns is outlined for teaching graduate students the counseling skills helpful in test interpretation.…

Examined tape recordings and transcripts of five interviews which consisted of sequence of conversational turns, called adjacency pairs, to establish credibility of test score report and its personal relevance for client. Found that, by skillful management of turn taking, counselors exerted influence on content of client's next turn and on…

A study to develop concordance tables between the new enhanced American College Testing Program (ACT) assessment and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), to establish new score relationships, is described. The scaling sample consisted of 40,051 students taking both tests and submitting them to 14 large universities. (Author/MSE)

When test data from different sources conflict, the truth is often found somewhere in the middle. As this article shows, reports of achievement trends can be heavily influenced by the particular definition of achievement represented and by testing conditions. Recent progress in science and mathematics must be carefully nurtured in the nineties.…

Examined how accurately college students (n=87) recalled information from their Strong Interest Inventory (SII) profiles one year later. Significant number of participants recalled at least one profile result, but accuracy of recall varied by type of scale and percentage of participants who first remembered something and then remembered it…

It is argued that the relative scoring method used to score the Ways of Coping Checklist introduces an artifact that confounds multivariate analyses and ignores the individual's general reactivity to the problem. Multivariate analysis is shown to suggest an intricate structural relationship between components of coping and depression. (SLD)

Describes the results of surveys of students' confidence in basic mathematics and the subsequent diagnostic testing of basic mathematical skills. Identifies learning needs and ways in which students can be supported. (Author/CCM)

This essay argues that reliability should be reconceptualized in a way that reflects the importance of the theoretical expectations of the test specialist and the learning and problem solving of the test takers. It is time to characterize clearly the substantive theoretical framework supporting reliability studies and the technical evaluation of…

Investigates the prevalence and utility of the ACID, ACIDS, and SCAD profiles of the WISC-III. Findings support the use of conditional probabilities and incremental gains based on the actual incidence from a referred population to assist in differential diagnosis; however, none of the profiles is recommended as a criterion for determining…

Compares Angoff and Nedelsky methods for setting passing scores on tests. Using one of the methods, 84 college students were taught to estimate their probable scores on a vocabulary test. Estimates were compared to their later actual scores. The Nedelsky method was considerably less accurate under certain conditions, and both methods…

Two studies evaluated the 10-question Nylander questionnaire as a screening test for autism among adults in British psychiatric hospitals. Both studies found high inter-rater reliability and no false negatives, but the studies resulted in an unacceptably high rate of false positives. (Contains 3 references.) (DB)

Standards-based score reports interpret test performance with reference to cut scores defining categories like "below basic," "proficient," or "master." This article first develops a conceptual framework for validity arguments supporting such interpretations, then presents three applications. Two of these serve to introduce new standard-setting…

Prior research has suggested that fixed-time (FT) schedules of reinforcement do not necessarily preclude the acquisition of appropriate behavior (e.g., mands) when combined with differential reinforcement (DRA). These studies also note that dense FT schedules are more likely to interfere with DRA packages than lean FT schedules. In the current…