Discusses various methods and procedures for assessing depression in clients. Reviews eight clinician rating and client self-report measures of depression on the basis of their psychometric properties and applied pragmatic utility. (Author)

An algorithm, based on a solution for C. I. Mosier's oblique Procrustes rotation problem, is presented for the best least-squares fitting correlation matrix approximating a given missing value or improper correlation matrix. Results are of interest for missing value and tetrachoric correlation, indefinite matrix correlation, and constrained…

Some psychometric models are presented that belong to the larger class of latent response models (LRMs). Following general discussion of LRMs, a method for obtaining maximum likelihood and some maximum "a posteriori" estimates of the parameters of LRMs is presented and applied to the conjunctive Rasch model. (SLD)

Tested the validity of the Friendship Qualities Scale (FQS), which assesses the quality of children's and early adolescents' relationships with their best friends along five aspects of the friendship relation: companionship, conflict, help/aid, security, and closeness. Discusses the dimensions according to the issues related to the measurement of…

The psychometric properties of a short version of the Profile of Mood States (POMS-SF) (37 items as opposed to 65) were studied with 600 patients and healthy adults. Results support the POMS-SF as an alternative to the original instrument when a brief measure is desired. (SLD)

The compatibility of some response time models with psychometric and information processing approaches to response times is explored. Current psychometric models satisfy independence of comparisons in some formal senses but are not easily compatible with the serial-additive information processing type of model. (SLD)

The measurement characteristics of the Perceived Adequacy of Resources Scale, a measure of family functioning, were investigated. The reliability and validity of total and subtest scores were studied with 113 mothers. Results were generally favorable regarding the integrity of scores from the measure. (SLD)

Using 1,043 men across 3 samples, the psychometric properties of the Gender Role Conflict Scale were examined. Next, using 130 male counseling clients across 2 samples, the relation between gender role conflict and psychological distress was examined. Male gender role conflict was significantly related to psychological distress, with the…

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…

A historical perspective is provided of the concept of invariance in measurement theory, describing sample-invariant item calibration and item-invariant measurement of individuals. Invariance as a key measurement concept is illustrated through the measurement theories of E. L. Thorndike, L. L. Thurstone, and G. Rasch. (SLD)

Investigates psychometric properties and overall utility of Family-of-Origin Scale. Concludes that, although much of the recent criticism of this instrument may be justified, with changes (primarily in interpretation) the instrument remains useful. Taking this measure as an example, discusses problems inherent in the use of individual self-report…

Materials from the Northwestern University Auditory Test Number 6, spoken by a female speaker, were passed through a low-frequency notch filter, reducing the amplitude range within the spectrum. Data obtained from 12 normal-hearing listeners in filtered and unfiltered conditions demonstrated that alterations to words spoken by the same speaker…

Three approaches to assessment of culturally and linguistically different students are psychometrics; "missionary," which tries to apply mainstream models to minority cultures; and developmental, which asserts that individual potential cannot be compared among students. The latter approach is most promising for diverse students. (SK)

Administered Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale (MAST) to 408 American college students. Like Israeli youth from other studies, suicide tendency in American sample was characterized by four attitudes: attraction to life, attraction to death, repulsion by life, and repulsion by death. All four factor scales showed good reliability estimates.…

Investigated whether psychologists possess psychometric knowledge necessary to evaluate discrepancies within individual's test performance with sufficient accuracy to ensure reliable decision making. Only 8.7% of 287 school psychologists were able to correctly evaluate whether 4 sets of ability-achievement scores reflected chance measurement…