The motor performance components of 11 tests measuring childhood motor development were analyzed with respect to five criteria listed in the American Psychological Association's Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests. Researchers concluded that the motor tests did not contribute to psychological constructs for early childhood testing.…

Correlations between McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities and teachers' ratings of academic achievement were investigated. McCarthy Scales are useful in predicting achievement of normal children, but further research is needed with learning disabled students. Use of teachers' rating scales with low functioning children is discussed in light of…

A 10 item Attitudes Toward Computers instrument was developed to measure the attitudes of students toward the use of computers. A factorial validity study revealed one identifiable factor dimension entitled General Attitude Toward Computers with an estimated alpha internal consistency reliability of .87. (Author/PN)

Used data from a college classroom to demonstrate the value of taking student learning styles into consideration when designing and revising a course. Learning styles were assessed in 58 students using the Inventory of Learning Processes. Casual path analyses revealed relationships between certain evaluation components and certain learning styles.…

Explored the hierarchical structure of mental abilities by comparing principal component analysis with a hierarchical cluster analysis algorithm on a short test battery for 182 children. Both the linear principal component analysis and the nonlinear hierarchical clustering analysis confirmed the hierarchical organization of mental abilities. (JAC)

Evaluated a short form of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (California Abbreviated WISC for the Intellectually Gifted) for screening gifted referrals. Results indicated the short form could be effective in predicting full-scale intelligence quotient even when the prediction was based on data from the original WISC. (Author/JAC)

Investigated the construct validity of the 10 primary Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic abilities subtests in a clinical population of learning disabled children (N=91). Results via factor analysis and correlational analyses generally supported the independence of the channel dimension, i.e., visual versus auditory. The dimension of levels…

Derived appropriate K-corrections for Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-168 factor scales and a general psychopathology screening scale (PSY). Determined percentile distributions of K-corrected scales in a normal sample (N=1438) and constructed a percentile profile sheet to facilitate clinical use (N=1048). Examined validity of the…

Examined the Tennessee Self Concept Scale for cultural and sex differences with college students (N=202). Data did not support generalizability of normed data across cultures. Analysis showed significant differences according to sex of respondent, and raised questions concerning the validity of certain clinical uses and interpretations of the…

The need for improved accountability has led to more competency-based testing. This provides test makers with the opportunity to have greater impact on the curriculum. Several strategies are suggested for measurement-based instructional improvement. (Author/PN)

Convergent and discriminant validity of the Iowa Social Competency Scale-Preschool form was investigated using the Campbell and Fiske validity model. The methods involved were observer, mother, father and teacher ratings whereas the traits were three test factors of social activator, reassurance, and hypersensitivity. Subjects were 92 pre-school…

Use and validity of externally-produced comprehensive examinations as instruments for promotion and as mechanisms for evaluating curriculum is discussed. Pros and cons of this single route to licensure and effects on student ethics are discussed. A national test bank is proposed as an alternative. (Author/MSE)

This study investigated the effects of specific criteria for marking a test on its reliability and validity. Eight algebra word problems were administered to grade 10 students. The objectivity of scoring criteria improved the reliability of the test, but did not affect its validity. (MNS)

The Confidence in Interviewing Scale, developed to test medical students' interviewing confidence by asking for students' estimations of their ability to handle challenging situations, was tested at the University of Washington. Both reliability and validity were found, but comparison with an external observer's ratings is advocated. (MSE)

The fact that the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is susceptible to coaching does not mean it is a poor test. The abilities measured by it are acquired, apart from test-wiseness. Even though some uses of the scores in admissions may be discriminatory, the test itself is fair, uniform, and judiciously administered. (MSE)