Discusses the Mathematics Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument (MTEBI) for preservice teachers which consists of 21 items, 13 items on the Personal Mathematics Teaching Efficacy (PMTE) subscale and eight items on the Mathematics Teaching Outcome Expectancy (MTOE) subscale. Produces the alpha coefficient of 0.88 for PMTE scale and 0.75 for MTOE…

Identifies the stages of acquisition of gateway drugs in fourth, fifth, and sixth graders (N=811). Research confirmed the existence of discrete stages of acquisition. The concept of gateway drugs was supported in that subjects indicated further progression through the stages of acquisition of alcohol use than through use of other substances.…

Investigates internal dimensions of the Organizational Identification Questionnaire, performing factorial analytic tests of cross-sectional and longitudinal data. Finds that it is unidimensional across organizations and time, but that only 12 of 25 items contribute meaningfully to the scale, and that these 12 items essentially constitute an…

The usefulness of the College Student Reason for Living Inventory (CSRLI) for assessment of suicidal risk was evaluated among clients presenting for counseling (N=87) at a large university counseling center. Scores were compared to the Beck Depression Inventory and other measures. Data analysis is presented and discussed. (Author/EMK)

The Youth Self Report was used in a Swiss epidemiological study with 1,093 subjects aged 10 to 17 years. Internal consistency was good for three second-order factors, but it was less satisfactory for almost all syndrome scales. In general, internal consistency coefficients were slightly lower than for the U.S. sample. (SLD)

The reliability of the "What If" Situations Test was studied to determine its utility as an evaluation tool for young children (N=406), which would provide a measurement tool with demonstrated psychometric properties for evaluating child sexual abuse-prevention programs. Advantages and limitations of the measure are presented and…

Examines the relationship between sexual-abuse history and sexual responses to Card 15 of the Roberts Apperception Test for Children. Results, based on 93 children, ages 4-13 years, show that sexual content was reported significantly more often in children with actual or suspected abuse histories when compared to their nonabused…

Examined the psychometric properties of a social competence scale for school-age children. Factor analyses identified two moderately correlated competence aspects, Prosocial Orientation and Social Initiative. Scale showed reliability across one year, and concurrent and predictive validity in interrater agreement; also corresponded with observed…

Three studies of college students (n=178, 129, and 96) evaluated the reliability and validity of the Assessment of Attributions for Career Decision-Making instrument. Factor analysis supported a three-factor structure. The instrument demonstrated adequate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct, criterion, and incremental…

Advanced-level English and chemistry examinations in Britain were graded in several conditions: with or without examinees' names; with male or female names; and with "male" or "female" handwriting. No consistent evidence of gender bias was found in the marking. (SK)

The Delaware Performance Appraisal Process includes indicators that contain subjective terminology and are open to various interpretations, leading to concerns about interrater reliability and professional staff morale. The Lake Forest School District developed a two-pronged approach that retains the three-observation method while eliminating the…

Investigates the relationship between lesbian internalized homophobia and various psychosocial variables in a national sample of 157 women. Discusses development of the Lesbian Internalized Homophobia Scale and provides evidence in support of its reliability and construct validity. Highlights the importance of addressing internalized homophobia…

Studied the reliability and validity of Light's Retention Scale (LRS) (H. Light, 1986), an instrument to evaluate whether a student would benefit from retention, with 93 Canadian students who had repeated an elementary school grade. Findings suggest that the LRS is not a reliable or valid instrument. Selected scale items did not predict…

Pennsylvania adult literacy providers who responded to a survey (35 of 93) were generally satisfied with assessment tools for English as a Second Language. Problem areas included writing assessment for placement; measures of progress in reading, writing, and speaking; and diagnostic tools for grammar, pronunciation, and student interests and…

Responds to an article (1992) in which Cross and Saxe assert that polygraph testing is inaccurate and inappropriate in the area of child sexual abuse. Presents a summary of recent polygraph validity and reliability studies to refute their claims, and discusses current uses of polygraph testing in child sexual abuse cases. (JPS)