The examination of credibility effects in predicting achievement, an important step in the study of source credibility effects on attributions, substantiates Birnbaum's findings that variation in the credibility of information can be represented by changes in the weight of the information. Undergraduate subjects (N=65) predicted the performance of…

This paper describes generalizability theory as an extension to the analysis of variance approach to reliability which allows the researcher to attribute variation to multiple sources, and a number of reliability coefficients to be calculated for most observational contexts. The applications of generalizability coefficients to characterize the…

RISK TAKING ON OBJECTIVE EXAMINATIONS (RTOOE) OCCURS WHENEVER AN EXAMINEE TAKES AN EXAMINATION WITH PENALTIES FOR INCORRECT RESPONSES, AND RESPONDS TO AN ITEM WITHOUT KNOWING THE CORRECT ANSWER WITH CERTAINTY. THIS PROJECT WAS CONCERNED WITH THREE ASPECTS OF RTOOE--(1) ITS MEASUREMENT, (2) ITS GENERALITY, AND (3) ITS EFFECT ON TEST SCORE. IN THE…

A TEST WAS CONSTRUCTED TO MEASURE SELECTED LIFE SCIENCE CONCEPTS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN GRADES ONE THROUGH SIX. THE CONTENT OF THE TEST IS BASED ON SIX CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING THINGS--(1) STRUCTURE, (2) METABOLISM, (3) GROWTH, (4) REPRODUCTION, (5) RESPONSIVENESS, AND (6) ADAPTION. A LIST OF CONCEPTS RELATED TO THE SIX CHARACTERISTICS…

THIS STUDY EXAMINES A PROCEDURE FOR USING THE WRITTEN CASE RECORD AS A CRITERION FOR EVALUATING REHABILITATION COUNSELOR PERFORMANCE IN STATE "DVR" (STATE-FEDERAL GENERAL VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM) AGENCIES. THE RESEARCHERS OUTLINE CERTAIN OBJECTIVES (TECHNICAL, AGENCY SERVICES, AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT) AS DESIRABLE IN THE…

The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable instrument for observing the behaviors of caregivers in infant day care centers. Identification of custodial and developmental tasks of infant caregivers was accomplished by a review of the relevant literature, narrative recordings of infant caregivers, and verification of the tasks by a panel of…

Achievement test reliability as a function of ability was determined for multiple sections of a large university French class (n=193). A 5-option multiple-choice examination was constructed, least attractive distractors were eliminated based on the instructor's judgment, and the resulting three forms of the examination (i.e. 3-, 4-, or 5-choice…

The well-meaning liberal male (WMLM) is a man who talks a liberal stereotype but behaves inconsistently with his professed beliefs. Using Ajzen and Fishbein's model of behavioral prediction based on attitudinal assessment, males identified as WMLM's, sincere liberals, and traditionalists from the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) were compared.…

A study of reading specialists conducted in 1977 revealed that their diagnostic reliability was very low. Mean diagnostic agreement between two clinicians on statements seen as characterizing a case was effectively zero. Mean agreement for one clinician's diagnostic statements on a case and its replicate over time was less than 0.23. In other…

The purpose of this study was to validate the Prescriptive Instructional Program for Educational Readiness (PIPER) for utilization as a criterion referenced test (CRT) among learning disabled children. The program consisted of behavioral objectives and diagnostic and/or mastery tasks and activities for each objective in the area of gross motor…

This volume discusses the conceptualization and measurement of the health status of children (0 to 13 years of age) in terms of physical, mental, and social health and general health perceptions. The discussion is based on Health Insurance Study (HIS) questionnaire data collected from a sample of 8000 people (enrolled in one of the HIS insurance…

Diagnostic tests for nine different letter-sound patterns were developed for the PLATO Computer Assisted Instruction system and were administered to 122 first, second, and third graders. Results for four of the patterns showed low test reliabilities and no monotonic increase for the percentage correct with increasing grade level. The remaining…

A study dealt with the use of the Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ) within a job component validity framework as the basis for estimating aptitude requirements of jobs represented by scores on commercially available tests as contrasted with scores on General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) tests. Procedures generally consisted of the use of job…

There are two modes for testing writing: atomistic and holistic. Atomistic tests depend on isolating a form, emphasizing the recognition of the form rather than the creation of it. Holistic tests require the generation of writing, so that the forms are seen in a particular context. The atomistic tests have great danger of leading to false…

This study was designed to explore the practicality, flexibility, reliability, and sensitivity of the Criterion Group Method of measuring the effectiveness and efficiency of indexing, a method using a criterion group to set the standard for "ideal" indexing. These major variables were examined: (1) size of document sample, (2) size of…