Finds that the test/retest reliability coefficients for the "Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale" and the "Lester Attitude toward Death Scale" were significant, but only low to moderate in significance. (RL)

Older adults (n=35) completed the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT); 44 completed both the MMDT and the Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test. Reliability and validity of the MMDT were supported. There was high correlation between the two tests. (SK)

Proposes formulas for expected true-score measures and reliability of binary items as a function of their Rasch difficulty when the trait (ability) distribution is normal or logistic. Provides an illustrative example for using the proposed formulas. (SLD)

Used Monte Carlo simulation to compare the properties of a goodness-of-fit (GOF) procedure and a test statistic developed by E. Bartfay and A. Donner (2001) to the likelihood ratio test in assessing the existence of extra variation. Results show the GOF procedure possess satisfactory Type I error rate and power. (SLD)

Conducted a reliability generalization study of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (D. Crowne and D. Marlowe, 1960). Analysis of 93 studies show that the predicted score reliability for male adolescents was 0.53, and reliability for men's responses was lower than for women's. Discusses the need for further analysis of the scale. (SLD)

Explored variability in reliability scores on a career scale, the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale (K. Taylor and N. Betz, 1983). Of the 49 studies examined, 41% reported score reliabilities. Of the five subscales, Problem Solving shows the lowest score reliability. Higher score reliability is associated with age, racial/ethnic…

Examined the score reliability of a measure of life satisfaction, the Life Satisfaction Index (LSI) using 34 research studies. Results reveal an average reliability of 0.79. Results provide evidence for adequate reliability of LSI scores across a variety of sample characteristics, but they must be interpreted with caution given the small sample…

The test-retest reliability of colored filter testing in relation to two symptom levels of dyslexia was evaluated using a forced-choice test procedure. Two tests, separated by two weeks, were conducted with 41 participants (ages 15 to 17). Results indicated poor test-retest reliability. (Author/DB)

Methods are offered for conducting hypothesis testing associated with disattenuated validity coefficients to overcome limitations of some other suggested approaches. Through using classical test theory's notion of reliability in the form of structured path models, such hypothesis testing may be done with hierarchically related structural equation…

Generalizability Theory can be used to assess reliability in the presence of multiple sources and different types of error. It provides a flexible alternative to Classical Theory and can handle estimation of interrater reliability with any number of raters. (SK)

Dynamic generalizations of reliability and validity that will incorporate longitudinal or developmental models, using latent curve analysis, are discussed. A latent curve model formulated to depict change is incorporated into the classical definitions of reliability and validity. The approach is illustrated with sociological and psychological…

The clarification provided by Williams and Zimmerman on the reliability of gain scores is translated into recognizable patterns of change that tend to produce reliable or unreliable gain scores. The relevance of the traditional idea of reliability to the measurement of change is also discussed. (SLD)

Discusses problems in using traditional measures of reliability for criterion-referenced tests (CRTs) and describes two approaches to reliability for CRTs: estimates sensitive to all measures of error; and estimates of consistency in test outcome. Compares the two approaches and proposes recommendations for interpretation and use. (Author/LRW)

Designed an instrument to measure adolescents' attitudes toward school and teachers, goal-valuation, motivation, and general academic self-perceptions. Tested the developed survey with samples of 146, 200, and 299 high school students. Findings suggest the scale has adequate construct validity, criterion-related validity, and internal consistency…

Compares detection rates of the Referral Decision Scale (RDS) with a short, officer-administered booking questionnaire at a low capacity jail. Although RDS produced a higher number of false positives, it correctly identified more mentally ill inmates than did the booking procedure. Results suggest that combining both instruments may provide the…