Problems associated with current expertise in evaluation are discussed. Since evaluators are not always able to reliably achieve all levels of an evaluation project, these tasks are categorized into five levels of complexity. The author suggests a more accurate label for evaluators, "descriptive inquiry specialists," and includes guidelines for…

The effects of providing total and partial immediate feedback to pupils in multiple choice testing was investigated with fifth and sixth grade pupils. The split-half reliability was higher with total feedback than with no feedback. Concurrent validity with a completion test showed all three settings to be nearly identical. (Author/JKS)

Two approaches for determining the optimal number of choices for a test item, presently in the literature, are compared with two new approaches. (Author)

A variety of practical applications of item characteristic curve test theory are discussed. Among these applications are tailored testing, two stage testing, determining whether two tests measure the same latent trait, and measuring item bias towards minority or other groups. (Author/JKS)

Studied the degree to which skewed score distributions can affect the interpretation of Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA) Results suggest indices of score variability such as average deviation and standard scores must be interpreted with extreme caution when skewness is a significant factor. (Author)

In evaluating the Northwestern Syntax Screening Test (a test for assessing expressive and receptive grammar in preschool and primary age children), the author points out problems with the test norms, reliability, and validity. (SBH)

The author responds to W. Arndt's criticisms of the Northwestern Syntax Screening Test, a test for assessing receptive and expressive grammar in young children. (SBH)

It would appear that there is a lack of convincing evidence especially regarding the reliability of the Matching Familiar Figures test over short intervals and with older children. As the test is now being used for diagnostic purposes in education, more information is required, and here the MFF is examined in older children using a split-half…

This article reviews the literature on infants' reactions to strangers, focusing on issues of assessment, reliability, and stability. (JMB)

Examines why profile analysis "adds spurious specificity and misarticulated authority to quasi-diagnostic statements." Concludes that the difficulties inherent in diagnostic reading tests suggest that they are best utilized in comparing a child's performance with a norm group. (JM)

Students know more than they think they know, so guessing gives better scores even when there's a penalty for errors. (JM)

This study compared the item difficulty, item discrimination, and test reliability of three forms of multiple-choice items: (1) one correct answer; (2) "none of the above" as a foil; and (3) "none of the above" as the correct answer. Twelve items in the three formats were administered in a college statistics examination. (BS)