Discusses a publication on the technical adequacy of tests used in simulated decison making. Suggests the use of poor diagnostic instruments can incorrectly influence a multidisciplinary team making student placement decisions. Authors respond to Wright's criticism. (JAC)

Analyzes the ABIC using data on elementary children across racial and social lines. On item difficulty, scores are higher for middle-SES, older, first- or second-born children, and from families whose structures are more typical. ABIC-achievement correlations generally are too low to be of value. (Author)

The behavior of preadolescent males was rated by two teachers using the Devereux Child Behavior Rating Scale. Interrater teacher reliability estimates were not significantly different than those reported with mental health professionals, but differentiated significantly between diagnostic categories. (Author)

Describes the development of a 13-item self-report Affective Communication Test (ACT) and reports on studies showing the ACT to be a reliable and valid measure of individual differences in expressiveness or "charisma." (Author/SS)

This article discusses some of the technical aspects of competency testing with attention to the psychometric and decision theory aspects, specifically, instrument validity, the establishment of cutting scores, and the cost-benefit analysis of program decisions. (Author/SJL)

This study was conducted to determine if an operational performance evaluation was valid and feasible for an area of small engine instruction. Four classes were evaluated using both a pencil-and-paper test and an operational performance test. One of the findings was that a positive relationship exists between student scores on the two tests. (LRA)

A scale measuring attitude toward physical education was developed for elementary school children in grades 4 to 7. Correlation between scores obtained on the scale and a self-rating produced coefficients ranging from .22 to .82. Reliability ranged from .57 to .81. No significant difference was found between sexes. (Author/GDC)

Compares seven reading expectancy formulae after converting each to stanines to determine whether the more stabilized formulae would produce similar decisions as to whether a student should be referred for further diagnosis. (FL)

Commonly used standardized intelligence scales are free from the inherent flaws that allegedly result in discriminatory assessment. Issues of internal validity, predictive validity, and examiner effects are discussed. (Author/JKS)

The author's response to H. Reed's paper (EC 115 148) on the nature of the relationship between biological defects and educational attitude and achievement refutes the relevance of biological knowledge to education, and contends the neuropsychological test data are of doubtful validity and may work against the academic interests of the student.…

Two correlational investigations attempted to establish the construct validity of the dimensions assessed by the Inventory of Learning Processes scales. The scales are Synthesis-Analysis; Study Methods; Fact Retention; and Elaborative Processing. A number of cognitive tests were also administered. (MH)

The Edwards Personal Preference Schedule was administered to three samples rural high school students. Distributions of scores were similar to Edwards' college sample, except in the area of sex differences. (JKS)

A sociometric nominations instrument called Guess Who was administered to 13,045 elementary school children and then subjected to an image analysis. Four factors were extracted--disruptive, bright, dull, and quiet/well-behaved--and related to teacher ratings, self-reports and other measures. (Author/JKS)

The factorial validity was investigated of a 55-item instrument designed for use in a recently desegregated school district to assess staff training needs. Factor analysis supported the validity of the instrument. (The 55 items are presented). (Author/JKS)

An instrument was developed to measure students' perceptions of twelve specific features in the learning environment for science instruction in institutions concerned with preservice elementary teacher education. The instrument appears to be promising for the investigation of individual differences in perception and differences in learning…