Systematically investigates the effects of test context on verbal analogy item difficulty, in terms of both simple percentage correct and easiness estimates from a parameter-invariant model (Rasch, 1960). (RC)

This study investigates the usefulness of the Preschool Attainment Record (PAR) as a measure of children's developmental skills. The PAR was compared to the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) as the criterion measure, and they were found to correlate .891. (Author)

Multiple-choice mathematics tests and other measures of achievement in a mathematics course for engineering students were compared. Although the results were highly correlated, there were some discrepancies. (SD)

Different components of a course assessment system are demonstrated to have a differential weighting on the overall scores unless compensated for by normalizing scores. Then multiple choice tests, essays, and practical exercises correlate well in terms of student ranking. Traditional examinations correlate less well and may be measuring other…

A three-dimensional (3-D) test, comparable to twenty-five items from the Boehm Test of Basic Concepts, constructed to determine whether 3-D stimuli would facilitate responses when compared to two dimensional (2-D) stimuli, revealed no significant effects for the version of the test (2-D or 3-D) or the order of administration. (MB)

This study examined the variability of classification by the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFF) as a function of grade level medians. MFF classification was highly dependent upon which sample medians were used. Analysis revealed for the majority (65 percent) of children, change in classification was due to change in the median error cutoff.…

Changing from the SVIB to the SCII increased the probability of machine-scoring errors. This study examined the accuracy and consistency of SCII profile scores for three commercial scoring agencies. Results indicated improved performance compared with previous studies and suggested that scoring errors should be minimal for the SCII. (Author)

Investigated geographic differences in Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) results by comparing 60 Hawaiian and 60 mainland United States psychiatric outpatients. The influence of pidgin English led to expectations that Hawaiian subjects would have significantly lower WAIS Verbal scores than mainland subjects. Data verified these…

Examined 3 methodological issues in the use of Kohlberg's Moral Judgment Scale: (1) test-retest reliability, (2) consistency of moral judgment stages from one dilemma to the next, and (3) influence of subject's verbal facility on the projective test scores. Forty children in grades 3 and 5 participated. (JMB)

Some preliminary data on Self-Esteem Questionnaire (SEQ), organized along Gough's conceptual model of primary, secondary, and tertiary evaluation, are presented. The SEQ appears to discriminate groups along a self-esteem continuum; fits in well with a variety of theoretical approaches; does not have loadings on sex, intelligence, or social status.…

This article reports on how short scales can be used to assess the perceived risks that exist for decision makers, their perception of the decision context and their perceived information needs. Three scales are described: (1) a Decision Risk Scale; (2) a Decision Context Inventory; and (3) a Need for Information Inventory. (JAZ)

Concludes that the PLAI is a unique test that can be very useful in assessing children's ability to deal with the language of instruction. (FL)

The study evaluated the Batelle Developmental Inventory (BDI) with 40 disabled children under 30 months of age. Subjects were also given the Bayley Scales and Vine Scales of Adaptive Behavior. Results indicated high concurrent validity, interrater reliability, and internal consistency for the BDI. (Author/DB)

The Family Health Scale is an instrument designed to quantify the quality of psychiatrically labeled or nonlabeled family functioning from the perspective of an external clinical observer. Clinical judgment is exercised in rating, based on information available and ideally from a valid standardized method of direct observation. Discusses…

Without training in objective, systematic methods of assessing student performance, teachers often must rely on poor quality evaluation measures. This article discusses assessment problems and promotes a new Northwest Regional Education Laboratory (Oregon) development: providing classroom assessment specialists to assist teachers with student…