This self-instructional manual for psychological assessment focuses on the following topics: (1) general statistics, (2) central tendency, (3) random, continuous, and discrete variables, (4) variability, (5) measuring variability, (6) sampling, (7) derived scores, (8) covariation, (9) reliability and validity, and (10) standard error of…

Three new indicators of psychometric quality for objectives-based statewide assessments are proposed. These measures provide indication of the stability of reported data on item and objectives mastery, the validity of assessment items for members of various cultural groups, and the convergent validity of prescribed objectives mastery scores. The…

Data from a total of 6,726 evaluation forms collected over three terms supplied information concerning instructors and courses. Items on the evaluation forms were separated into five factors. The variance-covariance matrix of these factors for each class was compared with the combined variance-covariance matrix of the other classes taught by the…

This study of the Wisconsin State University, Stevens Point was conducted to assess the quality and quantity of the institution's facilities and its services to and procedures used with students. The Likert technique was used to obtain responses to 97 questions on a 5-point scale from former students of the university. The sampling comprised…

Computer-assisted test construction is a simple, inexpensive natural complement to computer-based test scoring. Parallel tests can be made for individually-paced instruction, and the computer can produce feedback to improve item quality. The adaptability of computer-assisted test construction means that its introduction will likely be accepted by…

Statistical data of an educational quality assessment for the Pennsylvania State Department of Education are presented. The ten goals listed, for grade level five, cover the areas of: 1. Self Understanding; 2. Understanding Others; 3. Basic Skills: Verbal and Basic Skills: Math; 4. Interest in School; 5. Citizenship; 6. Health Habits; 7.…

Textbook calculations of statistical power or sample size follow from formulas that assume that the variables under consideration are measured without error. However, in the real world of behavioral research, errors of measurement cannot be neglected. The determination of sample size is discussed, and an example illustrates blocking strategy.…

The possible biasing effects of attrition of subjects in longitudinal experiments is a problem to which social science researchers and evaluators rarely attend. A study of research on Project Follow Through, however, revealed few differences in family income or pretest scores, between students who dropped out of treatment and of comparison groups.…

In discussing assessment and its applicability to the needs of Spanish-speaking students, several types of testing approaches are needed. This paper focuses on the use of comprehensive assessment offered by multiple matrix sampling techniques. (SW)

A survey of parents in six different school settings was conducted to determine the status of their knowledge about college admissions requirements, costs, how they plan to meet those costs, and their knowledge of financial aid. Results show a lack of knowledge but a desire to learn. (Author/MLW)

Analyzed data from standardization sample of 1981 Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) to determine relationships of WAIS-R intelligence quotients (IQs) to demographic variables upon which sample was stratified. Found significant differences in mean IQs due to race and education level; sizeable differences for occupational groups;…

University of Oklahoma Libraries conducted a cost study of circulation service-desk operations. Using percentages of staff time occupied in particular tasks, pay rates, indirect costs, and overhead, total costs were computed on task-by-task basis. Information served as basis for reorganization of work assignments and revision of staff scheduling.…

Practical considerations associated with local norms development are discussed. A local norming project administering the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised to 398 elementary Mexican--American children is presented in detail. The utility of local norms and their interpretation is discussed in the context of this local project. (Author/BW)

This study investigated the relationship between instructional use of handheld graphing calculators and student achievement in Algebra 1. Three end-of-course test forms were administered (without calculators) using matrix sampling to 458 high-school students in two suburban school districts in Oregon and Kansas. Test questions on two forms were…

This paper presents a number of arguments for the increased importance of within-state district-level data in systematic assessments in the organizational structure of schools as educational institutions. The major question is whether the Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) should shift its focus toward more macro-institutional district level…