The distinction between deterministic and statistical reasoning in the application of models to educational measurement is explicated. Issues addressed include the relationship between data and estimation equations, distinction between parameters and parameter estimates, and power of tests of fit of responses across the ability continuum. (TJH)

Administered anticipated adjustment form of Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ) to entering college freshmen majoring in science or engineering, then administered actual adjustment form in October of freshman year. Results support use of SACQ for this group. Comparison of results from anticipated and actual adjustment forms suggests…

The structural validity of the Index of Organizational Reactions (IOR)--an eight-factor job satisfaction scale--was investigated via confirmatory factor analysis. Results of first- and second-order factor analyses of data concerning a stratified random sample of 445 employees of a large financial institution are reported. (TJH)

The partitioning of squared Euclidean--E(sup 2)--distance between two vectors in M-dimensional space into the sum of squared lengths of vectors in mutually orthogonal subspaces is discussed. Applications to specific cluster analysis problems are provided (i.e., to design Monte Carlo studies for performance comparisons of several clustering methods…

Introduces a theoretical framework for mastery testing, using Item Response Theory and Bayesian Decision Theory. The idea of sequential testing is developed, with the goal of providing longer or shorter tests as needed, and a computerized application to a hypothetical professional knowledge examination is discussed. (Author/LRW)

Items previously described as "negatively worded" are redefined as "connotatively inconsistent" because this term has a broader base for generalization. Using generalizability theory with a sample of 102 graduate students, the study showed that connotatively consistent and reversed connotatively inconsistent items were not…

A test item is defined as connotatively consistent (CC) or connotatively inconsistent (CI) when its connotation agrees with or contradicts that of the majority of items on a test. CC and CI items were examined in the Life Orientation Test and were shown to measure correlated but distinct traits. (SLD)

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and Standard Raven Progressive Matrices (SPM) results from 26,300 children from differing ethnic backgrounds showed that it was possible to approach proportionate representation in the referral process, but not to achieve it in the selection process for either the WISC-R or the SPM. (SLD)

Discusses issues related to psychological maladjustment, test development, life span development, and implications for practice. Although clear progress is being made, much more is unknown about how gender-related variables positively and negatively affect male development, and, subsequently, counseling psychology. (JPS)

Conducted study to fill the void with respect to psychometric properties of wellness inventories. Examined three instruments: the Wellness Inventory, the Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire-Wellness Inventory Section, and the Lifestyle Coping Inventory. Findings from 114 college students revealed all three instruments were internally consistent and…

Examined the validity of the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) measure by interviewing 83 mothers twice over 2 months, using different interviewers on each occasion. The results indicated that the reliability of the AAI classifications was quite high over time and across interviewers. The AAI classifications were independent of nonattachment…

A three-phase study was conducted to develop and validate the Penn Inventory for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a 26-item self-report measure. Results with 83 and 98 combat veterans and with 76 general population patients and disaster survivors support usefulness of the measure. (SLD)

A FORTRAN 77 computer program is presented to perform analyses of differential item performance in psychometric tests. The program performs the Mantel-Haenszel procedure and computes additional classical indices of differential item functioning (DIF) and associated effect size measures. (Author/SLD)

Responds to previous article by Merluzzi on cognitive assessment and the clinical applications of self-statement assessment. Basically agrees with Merluzzi's perspective, but attempts to add and elaborate on Merluzzi's presentation. Discusses assessment of cognitive products, validity and psychometric considerations, and going beyond positive and…

Created College Classroom Environment Scales (CCES), instrument with six subscales (Cathectic Learning Climate, Professorial Concern, Inimical Ambiance, Academic Rigor, Affiliation, and Structure) to assess social climate of college classrooms. Findings from four studies estimating CCES' reliability and validity suggest it is sufficiently reliable…