Describes the development of an approach to the measurement of the empathic quality of counselor behavior, featuring the division of the empathy construct into components tapping different aspects of empathic behavior, greater specification of the construct, and a focus on the empathic qualities of individual counselor responses. (Author)

Evaluation of the final examination should be part of the course evaluation and should include student perceptions of the exam's nature and the questions' quality. The final examination experience of two groups of undergraduate and graduate students are considered. (MSE)

The theoretical structure of the scales of the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitudes Scales was supported by a factor analysis of the total set of 108 items. (GK)

Presents a new approach to attitude measuring that provides a comprehensive index of favorability and salience, the primary attributes relevant to the study of any attitudinal issue. The new technique effectively separates indifferent research subjects from those who are neutral toward attitudinal issues. Discusses methodological advantages and…

Reports on a study that used a research design to evaluate three indices of context dependence (CD) and thereby obtain both absolute and comparative evaluations of the discriminant validity of high versus low CD as defined by the constructs that underlie the respective indices. (HOD)

Examines the predictive accuracy of expressed versus measured interests over a 21-year period, using as a criterion occupational membership at age 36. Found expressed interests slightly better predictors. Supplementary analyses revealed no relationship between the extent to which interests corresponded to age 36 occupations and job satisfaction.…

Tested the predictive validity of Holland's constructs of congruence and consistency defined according to the hierarchical model for the structure of interests. A follow-up study of adults tested as high school seniors showed the hierarchical and circular models are of similar efficiency in predicting occupational choice satisfaction. (Author/JAC)

A factor analysis of the Children's Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale was conducted with a biracial sample of children over a wide age range. Three factors (personal control and helplessness, achievement and friendship, and luck) had sufficient item loadings to be interpretable. (Author/GK)

The predictive validity of the Minnesota Reading Assessment (MRA) when used to project potential performance of postsecondary vocational-technical education students was examined. Findings confirmed the MRA to be a valid predictor, although the error in prediction varied between the criterion variables. (Author/GK)

This investigation demonstrates the validity of the Sheppard School Entry Screening Test (SSEST) as an early indicator of reading problems. This screening device provides good predictability across the entire range of reading ability and is particularly effective at forecasting the poorest readers. (Author/AL)

Compared the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) for 31 gifted children. The sample mean for the PPVT-R was significantly lower than for the PPVT. Additionally, the PPVT and PPVT-R correlated to a significant degree, yielding a standard score correlation coefficient of .83. (Author)

Thirty-five second-graders and their parents responded to measures of sex-role adoption, concepts, and preference. Classroom teachers rated children's sex-role adoption. Both adults and children had clear sex differences on means of measures of sex-role preference and adoption. (Author/SJL)

Reports on Part A of the Older Americans' Resources and Services Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Content and consensual validity were ensured by construction method. Information on criterion validity was obtained for all dimensions except social. (Author)

Carried out a principal axes factor analysis on the Improvisation Test for Individuals, a roleplaying technique for assessing interpersonal styles in adults. A structure of five factors, basically supported by subsequent oblique rotations, was identified as: Interpersonal Involvement, Task-oriented Assertiveness, Relationship-oriented…

Two studies examined the extent to which test takers use plausibility as a method for locating correct responses when guessing and the extent to which scores can be improved by teaching test takers this approach. Results confirm that this aspect of multiple choice items merits further consideration by test constructors. (Author/BW)