The effect of the conditioning score on the results of differential item functioning (DIF) analysis was examined with simulated data. The study demonstrates that results of DIF that rely on a conditioning score can be quite different depending on the conditioning variable that is selected. (SLD)

This simulation study considered the effects on statistical measures of test dimensionality that result from systematic sampling variation in both a single- and a double-trait assessment model. Results suggest that there are distinct psychological and psychometric states of test dimensionality, and that psychometric unidimensionality may be…

Presents the role of human resource development practitioners as organizational researchers. Describes a model for validating instruments, constructs, and strategies, based on communication theory. Cites common errors and issues in the validation of measurement and demonstrates uses of the heuristic validation model. (SK)

Explored construct validity of computer-assisted battery of neuropsychological tests with 82 psychiatric inpatients and 89 normal volunteers. Principal components analysis of inpatients scores revealed simple reaction time, response accuracy, visuomotor skill, and complex processing and memory components. Found similar factorial structure in…

A historicodevelopmental model of acquisition order of words was applied to 175 words comprising the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test--Revised. A structural equation model demonstrates that the combination of date of entry into English, word length, polysemy, and frequency of use account for a substantial proportion of variance of acquisition…

The construct-related validity of the Tower of London-Drexel (TOL-DX), a measure of executive functioning (W. Culbertson and A. Zillmer, 1995) was studied with 129 children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Results show that the TOL-DX loads prominently on an Executive Planning/Inhibition factor while separating for factors…

This study examines selected psychometric characteristics of Bandura's Multidimensional Scales of Perceived Self-Efficacy, including reliability and factor structure. First- and second-order factor structures are presented. Interrelationships among the factors and relationship of factor solutions and subscales are discussed. Implications of the…

Confirmatory factor analysis of data from 1,346 respondents to the Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) (C. Peterson and others, 1982) reveals that adequate fit is provided by a three-factor attributional style model that includes context-dependent item sets. Results suggest that there is no such thing as a nonsituational attributional style.…

Studied the construct validity for scores on a measure of psychological empowerment, the Psychological Empowerment Scale, for parents of children with a disability. Results of correlational analyses and group discrimination analyses of responses of 293 parents in 3 family support programs provide evidence of the convergent and discriminant…

The validity of a higher order factorial structure of a Bulgarian version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (A. Beck et al, 1961) for nonclinical adolescents was studied with 3 samples totaling 691. Findings yielded strong support for the hypothesized second-order factor, adding to a growing cross-cultural agglomerate of construct validity…

A survey of 13,743 women in the armed forces used an instrument to identify specific experiences of sexual harassment rather than aggregate approaches. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the measure's construct validity. Reasons for using aggregate versus situation-specific approaches were identified. (Contains 19 references.) (SK)

Examines evidence presented for the validity of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) rating scales in "Foreign Language Annals" (1990), "System" (1992), and "Proficiency Guidelines" (1982, 1986). The article argues that this evidence is insufficient to support a claim for validity. (36…

Investigates the construct validity of the Clark-Trow typology and its two dimensional substrate with principal components analyses, clarifying their relationships to a variety of higher educational variables. Study provides a conceptual basis for understanding student objectives in the pursuit of higher education. (Contains 20 references and 2…

Operationalizes the new educational assessment culture. Outlines developments in the field of learning and instruction and their effects on student assessment. Also reviews five frequently used assessment methods that fit into the new culture. Explores the notion of construct validity as it applies to educational measurement. (SLD)

This is a reaction to Borsboom's (2006) discussion paper on the issue that psychology takes so little notice of the modern developments in psychometrics, in particular, latent variable methods. Contrary to Borsboom, it is argued that latent variables are summaries of interesting data properties, that construct validation should involve studying…