Assessed the convergent and discriminant validity of various measures of family cohesion and control, using a multitrait, multimethod approach. Families with at least one adolescent and in family therapy completed self-report measures and engaged in Reiss' Card Sort Procedure. Ratings of the families' cohesiveness were also obtained from the…

Identifies some underlying assumptions about language, testing and its use, and second language acquisition (SLA) for those current on the issue of oral proficiency assessment. Suggests that even with its limitations, the assessment procedure can become a source of data for future SLA research. (Author/LMO)

This paper reports on the psychometric properties of a multidimensional inventory battery used for evaluating the parenting behavior of 693 parents enrolled in family support programs. Parents, depression, knowledge of child development, attitudes toward child rearing, and available social support were studied. Inventory can be administered with…

Investigated the feasibility of transferring the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory (SCII) into another culture. Examined engineering and law as occupations among students from the United States and Mexico. Used a validated Spanish translation of the inventory. Cross cultural predictive validity was very similar for all student groups. (Author/KS)

This article examines the effect of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (P-PST) and the Examination for the Certification of Teachers in Texas (ExCET) on Hispanics and Blacks and the tests' implications for the future pool of minorities in preservice teacher education programs and in the teaching force. (JL)

Proposes a framework for foreign language testing that consists of several different types of speech interactions. The interactions are assessed with rating scales whose criteria vary according to the intended use of the test results. The framework is evaluated in terms of reliability and validity. A sample oral test is given. (Author/DJD)

Compared McCarthy Scale General Cognitive Index (GCI) and Stanford-Binet intelligence quotient (IQ) discrepancies for both normal and handicapped preschool children (N=10) of low socioeconomic status. Results yielded a significant positive relationship between GCI and IQ, as well as a significant discrepancy between the two scores, favoring IQ, of…

Statistical validation is reported for the Child Care Perceiver Interview instrument, used in employing residential child care workers. Results indicate that the interview is effective in predicting job performance in group care settings and is acceptable in meeting Equal Employment Opportunity requirements. (Author/BB)

Considers the nature and types of questions that are asked on English as a second language grammar in various undergraduate examinations of an Indian university and shows that many questions are vague, ambiguous, ineffective, and occasionally couched in ungrammatical language, thus defeating the objective of the tests. (Author/CB)

The efficacy of Raven's Matrices in the gifted identification process is reviewed, focusing on their reliability, validity, and fairness and comparing them with other intelligence tests. It is concluded that, despite problems with narrowness of scope and standardization practices, these tests provide a useful screening device for intellectually…

This study compares physician performance on the Computer-Aided Simulation of the Clinical Encounter with peer ratings and performance on multiple choice questions and patient management problems. Results indicate that all formats are equally valid, although multiple choice is the most reliable method of assessment per unit of testing time.…

Results of field testing for reliability and validity the Generalizable Mathematics Skills Student Self-Ratings (SSR), Teacher Ratings (TR), and Performance Test (PT) assessment instruments with 138 handicapped secondary students in vocational programs and their vocational teachers (N=5) found sufficient content and face validity and relatively…

Presents research rating the speaking proficiency on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language Oral Proficiency Interview of 40 college French students at four different levels of study. The data show a significant, positive relationship between level of proficiency and level of study. (Author/CB)

This reply to William A. Mehrens argues that test validity is the central issue in discussing the appropriate role of tests. It states that the procedures used to establish the validity of tests are inadequate because they depend primarily on content validity and not on construct and criterion validity. (JAZ)