The major impediment to an understanding of human intelligence is the fragmented way it is studied. An orientation is suggested which integrates various aspects of the study of human intelligence. If this approach is adopted, intelligence tests will be an integral part of a systematic theory of knowledge acquisition. (Author/RD)

Logical estimates of item difficulty made by judges were compared to empirical estimates derived from a test administration. Results indicated substantial correspondence between logical and empirical estimates, and substantial variation among judges. Further, the more elaborate the system used by judges to make estimates, the more accurate the…

Item level differences between a type of constructed response item (figural response) and comparable multiple choice items in the domain of architecture were studied. Data from 120 architects and architecture students show that item level differences in difficulty correspond to differences in cognitive processing requirements and that relations…

A study of 83 people working in the field of autism evaluated the psychometric properties of the Autism Survey, an instrument to assess respondents' knowledge about autism. The survey was found to measure one factor, to be stable across time, and to have an internally consistent total score. (Author/CR)

Designs and evaluates a multidimensional schema for the assessment of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use topology. Findings illustrate the value of multidimensional assessment for identifying youth at high risk for substance use disorder (SUD) as well as for elucidating the factors contributing to the transition to suprathreshold SUD. (Contains…

The Problem-Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT) screens for multiple problems among adolescents at risk for substance use. A shortened version of the POSIT was developed, using factor analysis, and correlational and reliability analyses. The POSIT-SF shows potential for a reliable and cost-efficient screen for youth with substance…

Examines religious practices of Hindus in the United States and develops measures of their religious pathways. Four religious pathways were identified: devotion, ethical action, knowledge, and physical restraint/yoga. Results indicate that the measures of the religious pathways possessed adequate psychometric properties and were predictive of…

Studied the construct validity of the dimensions of the Multidimensional-Multiattributional Causality Scale based on B. Wiener's attribution model (1979) in achievement and affiliation goal domains. Results for 172 New Zealand college students provide evidence that the measure is better used as a goal specific measure than a general measure. (SLD)

The psychometric adequacy of the Social Interaction Scale and the Social Phobia Scale (both by R. P. Mattick and J. C. Clark, 1989) was studied with 165 patients with anxiety disorders and 21 people without anxiety. Results support the usefulness of the scales for screening and treatment design and evaluation. (SLD)

This project piloted a rapid assessment self-report measurement to be used with child and adolescent sexual abuse victims to ascertain the effectiveness of counseling. Results from 103 girls ages 10-17 years who had been victims of intrafamilial abuse suggest high test reliability, but content and discriminant validity of the test remain…

The psychometric analyses of a previous study of the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale were replicated in a study with 111 female nursing and medical educators. Results support the previous findings challenging the proposed theoretical structure but supporting the reliable measurement of some as-yet-unclear dimension by the instrument. (SLD)

Investigated the psychometric properties of the Interaction with Disabled Persons Scale (IDP; L. Gething, 1991). Exploratory factor analysis with 358 undergraduates and confirmatory factor analysis with a sample of 272 undergraduates suggest that the IDP may provide a reasonable measurement of multidimensional attitudes toward individuals with…

Examined the psychometric properties of the Sex-Role Egalitarianism Scale in a group of African American college students, comparing scores from this sample to scores of a predominantly white norming base. While there were no significant differences between the norming sample and study sample, significant differences were found between African…

Multisource or 360-degree feedback on physician performance can improve the quality of health care if carefully designed and implemented. Communication about data use should be clear and the instrument should have appropriate psychometric properties. It is useful for assessment of interpersonal, communication, professionalism, or teamwork…

Developed the Teachers' Reactions to School Violence, a self-report measure of teachers' reactions to a violent incident. Results from a sample of 143 middle and high school teachers provide preliminary support for considering teachers' psychological reactions to school violence as a multidimensional construct. (SLD)