This research reports the development and psychometric properties of scores from the 10-item Short Index of Self-Directedness (SISD), drawn from the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI; C. R. Cloninger, 1987/1992a) and the TCI-125 (C. R. Cloninger, 1992b). Factor structure, construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability…

The Career Maturity Inventory-Revised (CMI-R) and Occupational Plans Questionnaire were completed by 157 high school students. Analysis of construct and criterion validity demonstrated modest but limited support for CMI-R. Its scales were found to have low internal consistency reliabilities. The Attitude Scale, Competence Test, and total score…

Presents a quick distribution-free test that contributes evidence of construct validity from the Multitrait-Multimethod Matrix. The procedure is carried by reducing the heterotrait-heteromethod and heterotrait-monomethod triangles and the validity and reliability diagonals into a matrix of four levels. The null hypothesis states that the values…

Few quality of life instruments exist that focus on the positive aspects of adolescence, incorporate adolescents' perspectives and language, and apply to both general and vulnerable populations. With these goals in mind, a conceptual and measurement model was developed to guide construction of the Youth Quality of Life Instrument-Research Version.…

The Study of Values instrument was updated by modifying 15 of 45 items and tested with 179 students who also completed the original version. Psychometric properties of the updated scales were comparable to the original. The new version eliminates dated language and improves religious inclusiveness. (Contains 29 references.) (SK)

Item content of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) was modified to make it more appropriate for young persons. The resulting test was found to have lower internal consistency than the adult MAST, but the elimination of five items with comparatively poor psychometric properties yielded an acceptable alpha coefficient. (Contains 10…

A procedure, which is based on the longitudinal Guttman simplex model, is introduced for the measurement of dynamic constructs in longitudinal panel studies. The consistency index for longitudinal Guttman scales and cumulative unitary development are described. An artificial data study illustrates the application of the procedure and its accuracy.…

The Career Commitment Measure (CCM) was constructed through item assessment by a review panel, two sequential pilot studies, and a field test with 476 respondents. Factor analysis yielded three dimensions: career planning, career identity, and career resilience. The CCM successfully detected differences in commitment across occupations. Its…

The percentage bend correlation coefficient is introduced as one way to address the problem that the usual correlation coefficient is highly nonrobust. While this method is not a replacement for the usual test, it can offer advantages in terms of power and Type I errors. (SLD)

The relationship between psychometric intelligence, determined by Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, and spatiotemporal patterns of cortical activation, determined by quantifying event-related desynchronization, was studied in 17 college students. Findings support the hypothesis of a more efficient use of the brain in higher IQ individuals.…

Demonstrates method for describing crime statistics reported in Uniform Crime Reports. Explains scaling model based on scaling of intelligence used in differential psychology and applies model to rescaling of reported crime occurrences in 76 U.S. cities. Examines crime quotients in relation to four structure characteristics of cities as example of…

Extends Iachan's congruence index (1984) to cover situations when ties occur in three-letter codes (as used in Holland's vocational theory) and when only two top letters are recorded and/or used. Suggests methodologies for breaking ties and for measuring agreement between two-letter codes and includes computer algorithm for computing the index.…

Reviews research literature to determine psychometric validity of Strong Interest Inventory with Black samples. Found only eight relevant studies. Results found little evidence of Strong's psychometric validity with Black samples. (Author/CM)

A new direct and short proof is offered for the monotone likelihood ratio for the sum of independent Bernoulli random variables through use of an inequality by Marcus and Lopes (1957) on elementary symmetric functions. (SLD)

The Racial Identity Attitude Scale, form B, was completed by 540 African Americans. Item, subscale, and factor analyses indicated that problems exist with the internal structure; four subscales received unequal support (Encounter was not supported); two scoring versions (forms A and B) were not equivalent; and score distributions were skewed for…