Reviewing psychometric and statistical developments in criterion- referenced testing, this paper presents six sections: uses of criterion- referenced test scores, reliability of criterion-referenced test scores, determination of test length, determination of cut-off scores, test development and validation, and summary and suggestions for further…

Holland hypothesized that personality pattern consistency is related to vocational satisfaction, stability, and success. The viability of this key construct in Holland's theory of careers is examined in light of the expected relationship between level of consistency and frequency of occurrence of 2-letter Holland personality codes. Results are…

A study of the reliability and validity of a course evaluation method using small student discussion groups revealed the method to be reliable and productive but found discrepancies between student and teacher objects of evaluation and some dissatisfaction among teachers. (MSE)

Developed a teacher's rating scale of self-esteem for children. Participants were 231 school children in grades K-7. Used sociometric measures, popularity ranking by teachers, and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory to estimate validity. The Self-Esteem Rating Scale for Children (SERSC) included 12 behavioral characteristics rated most…

The impressively high factor congruence coefficients observed in cross-cultural studies with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) cannot be taken as sufficient evidence for the "similarity" or "essential identity" of these factors in the cultures concerned. Cross-cultural comparisons of factor scores on the EPQ are…

Examines misclassification of Native Canadian students' abilities with standardized intelligence test results. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (particularly verbal scale) results often reflect extent of acculturation, not personal capabilities. Paper indicates areas of needed research to find more appropriate ways of assessing…

Analyzes four informal reading inventories to determine the text type of each passage, whether narrative passages are well formed, and whether expository passages are well organized. Finds almost half the narratives poorly formed. Concludes that the lack of continuity in text type and organization could result in children's comprehension scores…

Reviews a number of tests that persons applying for engineering jobs may encounter including drugs, honesty, polygraph, personality and job skills tests. Discusses some problems with tests. Defines discrimination in hiring. States that job applicants usually will not take a test for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). (CW)

Asserts that currently accepted teacher competency tests are not valid and reliable measures of those qualities essential to effective teaching. Presents criteria that should be met by a valid assessment approach and, beyond competency assessment, stresses the need to improve the environment in which teachers function and students attempt to…

The use of standardized achievement tests as the primary criterion measures in the evaluation of basic skills programs has been criticized. In a comparative study of three types of tests, this article examines the major issue behind this criticism. (Author/JAZ)

Examines the reliability and construct validity of the Early Childhood Classroom Observation, a rating scale used to measure the quality of young children's experiences in programs seeking accreditation by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for Education of Young Children. (HOD)

Normative data from 1300 (K-6) students and satisfactory psychometric data indicated a revised version (Classroom Adaptive Behavior Checklist) of the AAMD (American Association of Mental Deficiency) Adaptive Behavior Scale was valid in terms of test reliability, concurrent validity with another instrument, and discriminant validity between normal…

The study investigated whether ethnicity and gender influenced anxiety scores at different developmental levels (grades one through three). Internal evidence of test bias was examined by computing internal reliability coefficients for the anxiety measures. The two anxiety scales were found to have adequate reliability coefficients for all groups…

Reviews the 3-R's Test that measures achievement in three academic content areas: reading, language, and mathematics. Cautions that it lacks data supporting its validity and scaling. (HOD)