Recently, a great deal of attention has been focused on the development of a system of relational diagnosis to be incorporated into the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic system, that of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). One of the more intriguing components of this effort is the Global Assessment of Relational Functioning…

Measures of normal variations in personality, called "psychological type," are frequently used in education (e.g., to identify learning styles) and counseling (e.g., in career counseling). However, the most frequently used measure of types has been criticized on various psychometric grounds. The present study investigated the…

Noting the lack of self-concept research in nonwestern cultures and the need to determine if a western measure of self-image is embedded in the same network of constructs in another culture, this study examined the appropriateness of using the Self Image Questionnaire for Young Adolescents (SIQYA) with Nigerian students. Participating in the study…

This paper presents the outcomes of a study that investigated the psychometric properties of the School Independence Measure (SIM), an assessment designed to evaluate functional performance in a school setting and to monitor changes in function over time. The SIM operationally defines and criterion references tasks essential to a child's…

Author discusses and defines criterion tests in the context of classroom needs that have created much of the interest in the theory at this time. The primary source of interest is related to the growing implementation of individualized curricula. (Author/CB)

A form, which permits students to evaluate effectiveness of instruction in college lifetime sports courses, was developed and evaluated at Kansas State University. The form provides feedback to help teachers improve instructional methods and outcomes. Seven tables display study data. (Author/PP)

Research on teacher evaluation and teacher effectiveness indicates that there are serious problems with the reliability of presage, process, and product findings. Quality in teaching can best be assessed by measuring process in the classroom and by using observation instruments which record the occurrence of specific, well-defined behaviors. (PP)

Concludes that grade level scores on the Brigance Diagnostic Inventory of Basic Skills are consistent with those of the Wide Range Achievement Test. (FL)

The predictive validity of the Parent Guide to Quality Day Care Centers was studied in a second community by observing licensed day care centers prejudged as above- or below-average in services. Ninety-one of the items were reliably observed more frequently in above-average centers. (Author/CM)

Research on the validity and reliability of four tests (Group Inventory for Finding Creative Talent, Group Inventory for Finding Interests I and II, and Preschool Interest Descriptor) which use the characteristics approach in screening elementary/secondary students for programs for the creatively gifted is summarized. (CL)

Jean Piaget's belief that children's developmental levels largely determine what they can learn is challenged. Research concerning the existence of cognitive structures in children is critiqued, and problems with administering Piagetian tasks are pointed out. Educators should not restrict children's exposure to learning because, according to…

A Filipino study of the Biggs Study Process Questionnaire, which investigates relationships between study habits and personality characteristics and fields of study, found satisfactory internal consistency reliability and correlations with school grades but not IQ for two of the three scales, but did not support the creator's proposed structure.…

A scale assessing teacher beliefs concerning the responsibility for student academic success was developed and validated. The results show a striking difference in male/female teacher responses. Female teachers consistently assumed greater responsibility for the learning outcomes of their students. (JN)

Explores the issues of patient homogeneity, external validity, internal validity, choosing and implementing specific treatment modalities, therapist experience and attitudes, therapist age, reliability and validity of measures, and problems obtaining follow-up information when studying treatment of depressed elderly patients. (Author)