Results of a study which examined inter- and intrarater reliability of the Oral Interview test suggest that communicative tests such as the Oral Interview can be used reliably, in spite of their subjective nature. (EKN)

Investigated whether narrative job descriptions could be converted to quantitative rating scores using job analysis questionnaire techniques. Detailed written descriptions of 121 job categories were rated using the Position Analysis Questionnaire. Indices of interrater agreement suggested acceptable levels of agreement for job dimension scores…

Changes, like single scores, are demonstrated to be valid and reliable and potentially predictable by independent variables. Change and growth measures determined from individual examinees' test scores indicated excellent predictive value. (Author/PN)

Describes confidence testing methods (confidence weighting, probabilistic marking, multiple alternative selection) as alternative to computer-based, multiple choice tests and explains potential benefits (increased reliability, improved examinee evaluation of alternatives, extended diagnostic information and remediation prescriptions, happier…

Development of a student evaluation system for two preclinical dental laboratory courses is described. The system uses an analytic technique for identifying components of the evaluation system that contribute to and detract from the evaluation's reliability. Further refinements based on this technique are discussed. (Author/MSE)

For tests used to make pass/fail decisions, the relevant standard error of measurement (SEM) is the SEM at the passing score. If the test is highly stratified, this SEM should be estimated by a split-halves approach. A formula and its derivation are provided. (Author)

A mathematical link between test reliability and test validity is derived, taking into account the correlation between error scores on a test and error scores on a criterion measure. When this correlation is positive, the "paradoxical" nonmonotonic relation between test reliability and test validity occurs universally. (Author/BW)

Describes a study of reliability among coders of information for meta-analysis (a quantitative procedure for synthesizing data in primary research reports) of research on life satisfaction in American adults. Identifies sources and areas of disagreement among coders and discusses measures that can be used to enhance intercoder consistency.…

The emphasis placed on test scores in college admissions is discussed. The need for colleges to periodically analyze and define their admissions policy is recommended. (Author/AL)

Examined the factor structure and subscale reliabilities of an eight-dimensional measure of fear of death (the Multidimensional Fear of Death Scale) using a New Zealand sample. Comparison with the results of a United States study showed that both the subscale reliabilities and the factor structure were almost perfectly reproduced. (Author)

Examines readability formulas and examples of their misuse. Analyzes an essay by George Orwell which was given a grade 10 readability level by one formula and discusses characteristics of Orwell's style that refute the accuracy of formula rating. (HTH)

A case study of a survey of new students made at a postsecondary vocational-technical school illustrates several sampling problems, including sample size, target population definition, determination of research purposes, costs, error tolerance, accuracy, and interpretation of research results for use by policymakers. (RW)

Administered Kimura's Recurring-Figures-Test to 427 normal subjects from Germany. A Kuder-Richardson test reliability was obtained. T-scale norms are given for two subgroups of different educational levels. Results indicated that the RFT is a valid instrument for the assessment of nonverbal memory function, and has a high test reliability. (Author)

Most psychological tests and inventories, particularly in personality and attitude measurement, contain common items. The present report specifically considered common-item contributions to test internal consistency reliability using extant data from the California Psychological Inventory. No negative contribution of item overlap was found.…

A new inventory for examining the first six of Erikson's psychosocial stages is described. It is concluded that the Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (EPSI), a self-report questionnaire, is a useful measure for researchers interested in development from early adolescence and in mapping changes as a function of life events. (Author/GK)