Notes that problems of measurement in educational research are often addressed by using the terms validity and reliability. Discusses the meaning given to these terms and how they relate to the aims of the measurement process in educational research. (RKM)

This study examined the predictive validity of the Developing Cognitive Abilities Test (DCAT), a test similar in form to traditional intelligence tests but developed along a format that included both a cognitive taxonomy and content areas. Students in fourth through twelfth grades were administered the DCAT and the Achievement Series Test.…

Trial administrations of the FITLOC, multidimensional scales for the measurement of locus of control of reinforcement for physical fitness behavior, provided preliminary evidence for the scales' reliability and validity. (Author/CB)

Administered seven-item Relationship Assessment Scale to 125 subjects "in love." Scale correlated significantly with measures of love, sexual attitudes, self-disclosure, commitment, and investment in relationship. Administered scale to 57 couples in ongoing relationships. Results correlated with relevant relationship measures; revealed…

The reliability of new electrical measurements of vertical jumping height and of throwing velocity was tested. These results were compared to traditional measurement techniques. The new method was found to give reliable results from children to adults. Methodology is discussed. (Author/JL)

This National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) module is designed to help teachers understand test reliability requirements. Focus is on the reliability of scores from teacher-made achievement tests used for interpreting norm-referenced scores. Reliability, factors affecting scores, reliability estimation methods, reliability's relation…

Examined records of 170 learning-disabled students to determine stability of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) test scores. WISC-R was readministered three years later to 150 subjects. Stability coefficients were .72, .70, and .74 for Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale Intelligence Quotient scores. Results suggest WISC-R…

Psychometric issues arising from the use of minimum competency tests in local option states were examined in seven school districts. The effect of variability in reliability and difficulty level of subtests on the accuracy of decisions based on such tests is questioned, particularly as they affect mildly handicapped and marginal students.…

Examination of factors derived from responses to the Facts on Aging Quiz were found to be different from those determined intuitively by Facts on Aging Quiz's author Palmore. Found reliability and validity of scale to be moderate and recommended Facts on Aging Quiz be used for only educational and not research purposes. (Author/ABL)

Investigated sex differences in the factor structure of the Student Developmental Task Inventory, second edition, (STDI-2) in a sample of 319 college students attending fall orientation. Factor analysis showed substantive differences with only minor overlaps in the factors. Questions the validity and reliability of the SDTI-2 and appropriatness of…

Study of the reliability of a modified picture identification instrument for measuring the health knowledge of preschool children (N=311) indicated that it was reliable for three- to five-year-olds in assessing comprehensive health knowledge. (Author/CB)

Administered measures of generalized communication apprehension (CA), communication regarding the dying (CA-Dying), and death anxiety to 29 persons in a hospice volunteer training program and 30 persons on a hospice mailing list. Results suggest the CA-Dying scale possesses adequate reliability and validity to serve as useful index of difficulties…

Reports three studies designed to (1) validate the conceptualization of relational communication advanced by J. K. Burgoon and J. L. Hale, which identifies 12 conceptually distinct but interrelated message themes central to defining interpersonal relationships, and (2) produce a reliable measurement instrument. Presents reliability and validity…

Describes the development of a 20-item measure of irrational belief that asks only about irrational belief and not about anxiety reactions. Two studies of the scale produced evidence that it has good internal consistency and good test retest reliability. Three additional studies of the scale found evidence of validity. (Author/NB)

Reviews 12 studies to determine whether coaching improves student performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). While results are mixed, evidence suggests that coaching does not appreciably improve students' verbal or math scores. Factors such as test reliability and weighting SAT scores with high school records should be considered. Includes…