Study funded by the Exploratory Committee for Assessing the Progress of Education (ECAPE).

Responses to various fixed test-response formats were examined for "reliability" due to systematic error; Cronbach's alphas up to .67 were obtained. Of formats tested, four-point Likert Scales were least affected while forms of lines and faces were most problematic. Possible modification in alpha to account for systematic bias is…

Provides empirical evidence regarding the nature of the interest dimensions underlying Holland's hexagon of vocational interests. Two studies are reported. Study one results provide substantial support for the theory-based dimensions. Study two results suggest that interest inventories "work" primarily because they tap activity…

The experience of bearing and caring for a sick or handicapped infant is described from the point of view of parents, whose responses were gathered from a clinical study. Implications for the child's development and methods of family support are discussed. (Author/RH)

Examined the effects of situational constraints and goal setting on job performance and satisfaction in a sample of 120 college students. Results indicated a relationship between task performance and goal difficulty only in the absence of severe situational constraints. Self-set goal level was also associated with performance. (JAC)

Discusses situational and emotional factors unique to job-loss following corporate failure. The dynamics of corporate failure and the special counseling needs of former employees are illustrated by the failure of Braniff Airways. Counseling should focus on marketable work skills, vocational testing, and flexibility in dealing with personal…

Statistical procedures for measuring heterogeneity of test item distractor distributions, or cultural variation, are presented. These procedures are based on the notion that examinees' responses to the incorrect options of a multiple-choice test provide more information concerning cultural bias than their correct responses. (Author/PN)

Evaluated techniques for identifying faking on the Personality Inventory for Children (PIC). Undergraduate students (N=70) completed PICs on their child either faking bad, faking good, or legitimate. Results were cross-validated against a clinical sample. Results indicated a clinician cannot be certain a PIC profile is valid. (JAC)

Examined the relationship between early loss of a parent due to death or divorce, and later depression and suicide. Comparison of students (N=10) who lost a parent before age eight with controls (N=10), showed early loss subjects were easily reminded of death and tended to structure death cognitively. (JAC)

Assessed whether a death education course attracted students with significantly different attitudes toward death. Results indicated that the death education class did attract persons with greater acceptance of suicide and death. The course tended to further decrease avoidance and increase acceptance. Potentiality for committing suicide was not…