Some procedures for estimating internal consistency reliability may be superior mathematically to the more commonly used methods such as Coefficient Alpha. One problem is computational difficulty; the other is the possibility of overestimation due to capitalization on chance. (Author/CTM)

Both the binomial and beta-binomial models are applied to various problems occurring in mental test theory. The paper reviews and critiques these models. The emphasis is on the extensions of the models that have been proposed in recent years, and that might not be familiar to many educators. (Author)

Takes issue with E. Fry's widely accepted claim that the average readability of a book is ascertainable on the basis of only three samples; reports that numerous samples were needed to estimate readability means of 36 basal workbooks. (MKM)

The temporal stability of three levels (primary I, primary II, and elementary) of the Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT) when administered to children with learning disabilities was investigated. It was concluded that the MAT is reliable when used with learning disabled children. (Author/SBH)

Innacurate sample data and uncertain estimates are defined as obstacles to assessing the suicide rate among college students. A standardization of research and reporting services is recommended. (JMF)

Power analysis is in essence a technique for estimating the probability of obtaining a specific minimum observed effect size. Power analysis techniques are applied to research planning problems in test reliability studies. A table for use in research planning and hypothesis testing is presented. (Author)

Evaluated the effectiveness of 13 different Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory taking direction techniques. Results indicated that from 10 percent to 81 percent of the variance associated with faking can be accounted for by various detection strategies. These techniques are recommended for clinical use. (Author)

Item endorsement rates and reliability of the Smith Quick Measure of Achievement Motivation were studied. Concluded that the scale may have too little variance to discriminate college students on achievement motivation and that, for students, one item may be inappropriately keyed. (Author)

Huynh (1976) suggested a method of approximating the reliability coefficient of a mastery test. The present study examines the accuracy of Huynh's approximation and also describes a computationally simpler approximation which appears to be generally more accurate than the former. (Author/RL)

Discusses the inadequacy of three basic assumptions that school systems make in early identification of learning disabilities that (1) learning disabilities is a category relatively easy to define, (2) such identification can be done easily by trained professionals and paraprofessionals, and (3) prevention, in the form of intervention, naturally…

A computer program which creates and stores a cumulative item covariance matrix upon each administration of an instrument is described. Use of this program would facilitate keeping a constant log on reliability in situations in which the test is administered to different groups over a period of time. (Author/JKS)

Test-retest and interrater reliabilities were calculated for all domains of the American Association on Mental Deficiency Adaptive Behavior Scale administered to 28 mentally retarded persons (mean age 24 years). (Author/CL)

Preliminary findings from the administration of the Leader Effectiveness and Adaptability Description (LEAD) instrument provide some support for situational leadership theory--the idea that flexible and balanced use of task and relationship behaviors is beneficial for both organizational productivity and personal satisfaction. (Author/MLF)

The study was designed to determine the effects of repeated trials on the reliability of physical fitness performance scores of thirty-six 12- to 20-year-old institutionalized mentally retarded children. (Author)

The results of a test of reliability for skinfold fat and circumference measures (used as field methods for the measurement of body composition) are reported. (DS)