The 10 subscales of the Family Environment Scale did not emerge as 10 factors of the family environment. Seven new subscales were proposed: conflict, group cohesion, structure, religion, activities, verbal-intellectual orientation, and protestant ethic. The first four factors replicated well; the last three factors replicated moderately well.…

A study of test performance and field dependent-independent (FD/I) cognitive style in 250 college students showed consistently positive correlation between FI and cloze test scores, and other measures such as final grade. It is suggested cloze tests may call forth cognitive restructuring capabilities more easily for more field independent…

A study was undertaken of the predictive validity of the Pimsleur Language Aptitude Battery at a university high school. Correlations of foreign language final grades and total scores on the Pimsleur battery are presented. Reliance on the battery score as a simple predictor of foreign language achievement is not recommended. (MSE)

Fifty-six students from two Minnesota technical institutes were administered the Minnesota Reading Assessment and the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests. Statistical analysis indicates that, while the two tests are not identical measures of vocabulary and comprehension, their measures of reading rate and speed are highly correlated. (SK)

Factor analyzed the Family Environment Scale (FES) subscale scores of 204 families and correlated them with family demographic characteristics. The obtained factor structure showed two major factors similar to "control" and "acceptance-rejection" dimensions in previous research. Results support the FES as part of multimethod…

Discusses use of item banks in preparing local tests, using as an example the construction of a college mathematics placement test. Compares recommended placements with course results at the end of the quarter. Students who placed themselves above recommendation did better than expected, perhaps because of strong self-selection factors. (PAS)

Uses a scale to analyze three tests used for assessing community college students' reading levels: The Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test (SDRT), the Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT), and the Iowa Silent Reading Tests (ISRT). Judges the ISRT to be the best and the NDRT to be unacceptable according to the criteria of the scale. (FL)

Discusses the roles played by student evaluations of teacher performance in the instructional design process; reviews issues related to their use; and outlines suggestions for the construction, administration, and analysis of the questionnaire data by the instructional development consultant. (Author/JJD)

An observation instrument designed to be applicable across teaching situations (both grade levels and educational strategies) is presented with evidence regarding its efficiency and generalizability. The dependability of scores yielded is assessed by a generalizability study, and recommendations concerning number and item types in the measure are…

Examined the efficacy of the McCarthy Scales as a predictor of reading readiness and achievement in a kindergarten sample (N=33). Results confirmed the predictive validity of the McCarthy Scales and suggested that, for this sample, visual discrimination and sequential ability skills may have been more important factors than verbal abilities.…

Evaluated the test bias of the Verbal IQ as measured by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised in relation to predictions of academic achievement in two different socioeconomic status groups. Results indicated that Verbal IQs are not biased with respect to socioeconomic status. (Author)

Assessed anticriminal efforts of probationers from audiotapes of counseling sessions. The assessments proved to be reliable, to correlate with attitude and personality measures, and were predictive of postprogram recidivism. Found the application of specific self-regulation skills more predictive than general plans or expressions supportive of…

A critique of a variety of formats used in combined-response test items (those in which the respondent must choose the correct combination of options: a and b, all of the above, etc.) illustrates why this kind of testing is inherently flawed and should not be used in optometry examinations. (MSE)

An effort was made to determine the factorial validity of a preliminary scale for student evaluation of group counseling. Results of this factor analysis and those of a detailed item analysis were used to develop a new form of the Scale for the Evaluation of Group Counseling Experiences. (Author/GK)

Studied the validity of eight dimensions of reading attitude. Showed support for the expressed reading difficulty, reading as enjoyment, silent versus oral reading, and alternative learning modes dimensions. Findings generally cross-validate the dimensions of reading attitude found in earlier studies. (Author/JAC)