The validity and reliability of methods for assessing nonformal learning are influenced by the type of knowledge being measured, which in turn influences assessment criteria. Satisfactory methods must consider the specific character of nonformal learning. (SK)

The Math Essential Skill Screener Elementary Version (MESS-E) is a screener devised to identify primary grade students at risk for math difficulties. Item analysis, interitem consistency, test-retest reliability, decision efficiency, and construct validity of the MESS-E were studied using four independent samples of boys and girls grades 1-3. The…

Recognizes the attraction of Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), a technique that uses a scale to measure client's achievement, but suggests that there are concerns about the calculation of its standard scores. Examples show how GAS may be used in service development, whether or not numerical values are attached. (Author/CR)

A protocol for screening the complex verbal, simple verbal, simple visual, and spatial working memory was tested on 125 persons with mild, moderate, and severe mental retardation. Results found the test discriminated well between levels of mental retardation, correlated reasonably well with IQ, and possessed relatively good test-retest…

The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI), a new self-report measure for determining the diagnosis and severity of obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD), was validated with 141 patients with OCD, 58 with social phobia, 44 with posttraumatic stress disorder, and 194 nonpatients. The OCI exhibited satisfactory reliability and validity with all four…

This essay argues that reliability should be reconceptualized in a way that reflects the importance of the theoretical expectations of the test specialist and the learning and problem solving of the test takers. It is time to characterize clearly the substantive theoretical framework supporting reliability studies and the technical evaluation of…

Investigated the relation between 7- and 8-year-olds' interpretations of human behavior and children's beliefs about the stability of human traits. Found that the belief that traits are stable predicted a greater tendency to make trait judgments in the academic and sociomoral domains, and an increased focus on outcomes such as performance and…

Whether a middle alternative in the response choices to a questionnaire influences the reliability and validity of survey responses was studied with 1,390 physicians, nurses, and midwives. Including a neutral option had little effect on overall reliability and validity, but allowed better coherence when items were considered globally. (SLD)

Studied the reliability and accuracy of data from Statistics Sweden's Level of Living Surveys (register data) on the return on schooling using a sample of 2,914 adults. Findings show that this register data does not show some partial secondary and postsecondary studies that did not lead to degrees, and that there are difference in annual and…

Describes the development of the Life-Skills Development Scale-Juvenile Form, a brief self-report instrument for assessing the life-skills development of juvenile offenders. Presents reliability and validity findings, provides implications for treatment planning, and discusses recommendations for further research. (Contains 26 references and 1…

Twenty-two children with autism were given four tests of false belief understanding: the Sally-Anne task, two variants of the deceptive box task, and the three boxes task. The overall consistency of the children's performance was high, 77 percent either passing or failing all tasks. Convergent validity and reliability are discussed. (Contains…

Studied the sampling variability of estimated variance components using data collected over several years for a listening and writing performance assessment and evaluated the stability of estimated measurement precision. Results indicate that the estimated variance components varied from one year to another and suggest that the measurement…

Investigated the assumption that determining an adequate sample size in structural equation modeling can be aided by considering the number of parameters to be estimated. Findings from maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analysis support previous research on the effect of sample size, measured variable reliability, and the number of measured…

Developed two empirical measures designed to assess educators personal and professional beliefs about diversity, the Personal Beliefs about Diversity Scale and the Professional Beliefs about Diversity Scale. Results of reliability and validity studies of the scales, including pilot tests and field studies that involved 756 preservice and…

Describes the development of the Religious Occupations and Stress Questionnaire (ROS), which attempts to fill the need for an appropriate measure of the stress experienced by individuals in religious occupations. Results of reliability and validity studies indicate high internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity.…