The feasibility of measuring responding desirably with attitude-opinion items is discussed, and an index based on 16 such items is presented. Estimates of reliability and validity for this index, and examples of its use as a covariate (control) in attitude research are presented. Similarities and differences from related scales are discussed.…

Findings from a study to investigate various subjective factors associated with student evaluation of teaching in a technical laboratory course at Texas A&M University to some extent uphold the validity of teacher evaluation by students in a technical education environment. Correlation of rating criteria and teacher characteristics was notable.…

The development and validation of the Test of Thematic Analysis (TTA) are described. The TTA measures the effects of liberal education as distinct from other kinds of education and general maturation. Scores were higher among seniors than freshmen at traditional liberal arts colleges. No significant differences were obtained at two vocationally…

Using five readily available classroom observation systems, three 50-minute videotapes of classroom interaction were rated for each of twelve social studies teachers. Comparisons yielded 23 categories that measured similar behaviors across systems, approximately half of which satisfied all validity tests. Implications for process-product studies…

Three measures of field dependence were used to determine whether: (1) Mexican American students are more field dependent than Anglo Americans; (2) intercorrelations between the tests are significant and comparable for both cultures; and (3) field dependence significantly affects academic performance. These assumptions were generally not…

The study compared the results of four measures of language dominance in a group of 32 Mexican-American children (mean age 6.1 years-old). (Author/PHR)

Two types of test scores were analyzed to examine whether sixty teachers were unable to use Kohlberg's measurement system for determining stages of moral thought because they were stage scoring invalidly on the basis of content. This proved to be the case. (Author/JKS)

The results of initial validity and reliability studies on the Rational Behavior Inventory are presented. The instrument was developed to be used for assessment, treatment planning, and evaluation of clients by counselors who use Rational Emotive Therapy. (Author/JKS)

The rationale for a constructivist approach to behavioral and social science research, and studies which have applied this methodology, are reviewed. The author suggests that ethnographic techniques of explaining behavior patterns may be as valuable as or more appropriate than traditional behavioral science methods. (GDC)

The ability of respondents to properly execute Thurstone scaling procedures as opposed to Likert scaling procedures was investigated in a sample of high school students. Results indicate difficulty among respondents using Thurstone-type instructions to resist giving Likert-type responses. (JKS)

It appears that a positive relationship exists between certain attributes of a self-actualizing person and the life style of the person who scores high on the Purpose in Life Test. Perhaps self-actualization and strong purpose in life are related secondarily through separate relationships with other variables. (Author/JKS)

An heuristic method for constructing affective tests emphasizes a set of key questions which are used to define an affective construct, decide on a measurement procedure, and develop a framework on which to base items. Affective tests should be based upon prior specifications of constructs, and then manipulated empirically. (Author/MV)

Develops and validates a new language aptitude battery to be used for the selection of military personnel for training at the Defense Language Institute which offers over 50 foreign language courses. (RC)

Investigates the consistency of self concept at lower grade levels and evaluates the factor structure of the self concept instruments designed for use with younger children. (Author/DEP)

The Screening Test of Academic Readiness (STAR) and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) were administered to 52 kindergarten children to reveal the convergent validity of IQ scores derived from the STAR. The findings raise doubts about the validity of the deviation IQs derived from the STAR. (Author)