Twenty-one language tests that included norms for children ages 4 and 5 were reviewed for information on 10 psychometric criteria. Administration of the 4 tests meeting the most criteria to 20 preschool children with specific language impairments and 20 controls found that only 1 (the Structured Photographic Expressive Language Test) provided…

Responds to article by Ross investigating whether psychologists possess psychometric knowledge necessary to evaluate discrepancies within individual's test performace with sufficient accuracy to ensure reliable decision making. Presents arguments within context of guidelines for test interpretation and estimation of error. Offers suggestions for…

Reacts to response of Barnett and Macmann concerning Ross's investigation into whether psychologists possess psychometric knowledge necessary to evaluate discrepancies within individual's test performace with sufficient accuracy to ensure reliable decision making. Contends that ways need to be found to implement and evaluate promising…

Tests with 2 pairs of tasks differing in cognitive complexity performed by 20 young and 20 old adults support a model for the determination of time-accuracy functions (TAFs) for individual participants. Findings replicate the established interactions between age and task complexity in the context of TAFs. (SLD)

Parent Role Questionnaire (PRQ), recently developed instrument to study individual perceptions of parent role, was piloted, revised, and studied psychometrically. Results from first (n=118) and second (n=94) administrations of test to graduate students in school psychology revealed that PRQ had relatively high internal consistency, moderate…

Constructs a human experimental model to test empirically Harrington's hypothesis of race differences. According to Harrington, by developing homogenous ethnic tests each ethnic group should score in the direction of less pathology on their dedicated test. Results indicate that Harrington's proposed effect is not evident for this set of behavioral…

Responds to letters to the editor regarding comments on semantics, psychometrics, and assessment reform regarding authentic assessment of student academic achievements. Suggests that psychometric concerns need to be addressed. (MMU)

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale was factor analyzed to determine if distinct and independent "subgroups" of symptoms could be derived consistent with current multidimensional theory and nosology for autism. Five factors were identified which distinguished subjects with autism from subjects with pervasive developmental disorder not…

Reliability and construct validity, including confirmatory factor analysis, of the ASQ-T were examined. Conners's 1989 and Margalit's 1983 factor models were compared on a new sample (N=70 teachers). Psychometric properties of the ASQ-T were examined, particularly its utility as a measure of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbidity…

Significance tests are often used inappropriately in counseling research. In addition to comments on the significance test controversy (Vacha-Haase and Nilsson, this issue), a wider historical context and personal experiences are provided. The controversy is discussed, and seven recommendations for using significance tests are included. (EMK)

A scale to measure denial among sexual offenders was developed for male incest offenders (N=265). Validity and reliability were tested. Four subscales correspond to the domains of denial: facts, awareness, impact, and responsibility. Development strategy and psychometric analysis are reported. Recommendations for further research are included.…

Developed a multidimensional scale of adolescents' satisfaction with mental health services with items derived from qualitative interviews about their experiences in services. Results from 180 adolescents indicate the psychometric qualities of the scale. Discusses the four-factor structure and scale reliability. (SLD)

Presents a model of the cognitive frameworks and processes used by essay scorers. Investigates the relationship between a scorer's reading style and proficiency with a scoring rubric. Finds that proficient scorers are better able to withhold judgment and may focus their efforts more intensely on the process of evaluation. Discusses implications of…

Discusses three areas essential in reporting on school improvement plans: process, which refers to the legitimacy of procedures used to assess the improvement plan; equity, pertaining to methods that show both low- and high-achieving students benefiting from the plan; and reporting, which refers to clarity of presentation. (JDI)

The reliability of the "What If" Situations Test was studied to determine its utility as an evaluation tool for young children (N=406), which would provide a measurement tool with demonstrated psychometric properties for evaluating child sexual abuse-prevention programs. Advantages and limitations of the measure are presented and…