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)

Multitrait-multimethod analysis was performed on instructors' ratings from behaviorally anchored rating scales, graphic rating scales, and mixed standard scales. Two samples of 100 undergraduate students were distinguished on the basis of whether the statements on the mixed-standard scale were behaviorally specific or more generic descriptions of…

Whether culturally biased tests are useful depends on what is meant by that phrase and the purpose for which the test is to be used. Keeping the distinction between aptitude and achievement in mind, different definitions of fair use of tests come from different sets of societal values. (Author/CM)

The Berkeley student evaluation questionnaire by Hildebrand, Wilson, and Dienst was modified to reflect the Whitely-Doyle factorial structure of implicit theories students hold about teaching characteristics of their instructors. Student ratings appear to be valid indicators of teaching competency, admissable as evidence to be used for faculty…

The use of the Estes Reading Attitude Scale as a measure of academic attitude of fourth-, fifth-, and sixth- grade Mexican-American and Anglo student groups did not lead to substantial bias in test score interpretation. These results indicate that responses on the test as a whole can be judged as valid. (Author/PN)

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.…

Critically evaluates the literature through 1977 on the Goodenough-Harris Drawing Test. Areas reviewed are administration and standardization of the man and woman scales, test ceiling, sex differences, the Quality scale, reliability, criterion validity, validity with measures of academic achievement, cultural variables, and use with the learning…

Compares the validity of individuals' self-assessments with other assessment procedures commonly used in psychological evaluation. It is argued that greater attention should be given to self-assessments and the improvement of their validity. Steps are outlined for deciding when self-assessment should be used, and suggestions are offered for…

Evaluated is the Longeot test, a paper and pencil test designed to measure various aspects of formal and concrete operational thought. Information from over 500 subjects (ages 17 to 20) indicated the test to be reliable and classifications from it correlated with classifications mode using Piagetian tasks. (DS)

Describes the development of a behaviorally based performance appraisal system for assessing the performance of highway patrol personnel. The items in the present scale were developed to describe proficiency levels of specific job tasks. This characteristic is expected to enhance the objectivity of the evaluation system. (Author)

Scores on a multiple-choice language test involving recognition of language errors were related to those on writing samples, scored atomistically for the same language errors and holistically for communicative effectiveness and correctness. Results suggest the need for clear limits in generalizing from one assessment to others. (Author/GK)

Determined the utility of the Behavior Problem Checklist (BPC) with preschool children. Found the BPC sensitive in differentiating clinical from nonclinical groups. Findings suggest that the Behavior Problem Checklist, although not specifically designed to assess preschool age children, may be effective with this population. (Author)

Reports the continued development of a multivariate theory of personality styles and a scale, the Multivariate Personality Inventory, designed to measure these styles in both pathological and normal populations. Results supported the validity of the Multivariate Personality Inventory in regard to the need profile of each personality style group.…

An instrument was developed to assess secondary school students' attitudes toward science using items based on Mead and Metraux's 1957 study. Instrument reliability (0.76 in a pilot study and 0.86 in a study with 251 ninth-grade students) and construct validity are discussed. (JN)

Finds support for the concurrent validity of miscue analysis as a measure of the silent reading processes of elementary school students with respect to the dimensions of syntactic and semantic strength. (FL)