Obtained asymptotic standard errors of item, test, and score information function estimates, and used numerical illustrations to show that the response function estimates are rather stable in spite of the unstable parameter estimates. However, information function estimates are shown to be relatively unstable. (SLD)

Describes an item response theory-based structural equation model that allows the short-term stability and the magnitude of retest effects to be assessed for some types of personality traits. Provides an empirical application of the model and discusses the substantive implications of the results. (SLD)

Examined the refined Student Motivation Scale applied to a sample of 2,561 Australian high school students. The scale measures six motivation boosters and four motivation guzzlers. Analysis of data revealed, in addition to specific findings regarding student motivation, a strong factor structure comprising reliable factors. (EV)

Aim of this work was to produce an abridged version of the Adolescent Coping Scale, which would include items representative of the various factorial dimensions identified as stable. The abridged version consisted of 46 items grouped into 11 dimensions. Reliability coefficients were found to be satisfactory. (Contains 12 references and 2 tables.)…

Explored validity of Schwartz Outcome Scale (SOS-10) for use with people possibly motivated to "fake good," and therefore unwilling to admit problems, and with people who, because of denial, might be unaware of their psychological distress. Investigated discriminant validity of SOS-10 by comparing it with another inventory designed primarily to…

Studied the stability of accountability scores and gains for schools using fourth-grade reading results for schools (samples from 757 to 802 schools) in Colorado for 4 years of administration of the Colorado Student Assessment Program. Year-to-year changes were found to be quite unstable, resulting in a near zero correlation of the school gains…

Compared approaches to determining the precision of gain scores: (1) the asymptotic normal distribution of the maximum likelihood estimator of the person parameter; and (2) the exact conditional distribution of the gain score. Use of three data sets illustrates that these methods yield more relevant and more detailed information than traditional…

Analyzes the substitution process in the labor market to develop an educational classification based on observed possibilities of workers with different educational backgrounds to enter similar occupations using the recognizability of the groups distinguished and incorporating the criterion of statistical reliability. Results in an educational…

As an alternative to equally weighted difference scores, examined an orthogonal reliable component analysis (RCA) solution and an oblique principal components analysis (PCA) solution for the standardization sample of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC; A. Kaufman and N. Kaufman, 1983). Discusses the practical implications of the…

Reliability and validity of the Orthogonal Cultural Identification Scale (OCIS) were evaluated in a sample of Asian American university students. Ethnic identification, measured using the OCIS, and acculturation, measured using the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale are hypothesized to measure related but separate constructs.…

Samples from 17 reflective journals of nursing students were evaluated by 6 faculty. Results indicate a lack of consistency in grading reflective writing, lack of consensus regarding evaluation, and differences among faculty regarding their view of such exercises. (Contains 26 references.) (JOW)

Tests consistency of self-reports of alcohol and drug use by comparing responses incarcerated youth give to corrections staff and to university research interviewers only weeks apart. Significantly more incarcerated adolescents (n = 894) report lifetime drug and alcohol use to researchers than to correctional staff. Sex and ethnic differences were…

This study, using data for 200 psychiatric/chemical dependency patients, attempted to justify subscales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Distributions of all possible split-half correlations for certain research scales of the MMPI revealed negative skewness resulting in spuriously lowered reliability estimates. The scales…

Discusses general issues and concerns relative to the adaptation of paper-pencil assessment instruments to computerized formats. Describes and evaluates Self-Directed Search computerized version (SDS-CV). Presents strengths and weaknesses of the SDS-CV and makes recommendations for its use. (Author/ABL)

An estimate and upper-bound estimate for the reliability of a test composed of binary items is derived from the multidimensional latent trait theory of R. D. Bock and M. Aitken (1981). The practical uses of such estimates are discussed. (SLD)