Difficulties inherent in differentiating practice effects from meaningful change in neuropsychological retest data are illustrated in this case study of a personal injury case. Although the patient demonstrated substantial gains on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised, most of the tests given on successive days did demonstrate acceptable…

The use of paraprofessional editors to evaluate student writing, particularly in large college classes, allows teachers to give students more writing practice, provides more individual assistance for students, and helps teachers gain insight into student needs. Adoption of uniform criteria for evaluation also provides consistency and objectivity.…

Examined validity, reliability, and curvilinearity of Clinical Rating Scale and tested scale's ability to discriminate between clinical families and nonclinical families on family cohesion, adaptability, and communication. Data from two groups of problem families and two control groups supported curvilinear hypothesis that problem families are…

Reliability and validity of self-reported behavior within a deviant population are examined using data from 2 interviews with 323 narcotics addicts conducted 10 years apart (1974-75 and 1985-86). Results complement existing reliability and validity studies of alcohol use, and suggest that quality information can be obtained from heroin users. (SLD)

In five studies, the applicability of two North American instruments for student evaluation of teacher performance was assessed at the University of Western Sydney (Macarthur, Australia). Results of a multitrait-multimethod analysis indicate the instruments are applicable at this institution and across diverse educational settings. (Author/MSE)

For successful classification of children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, major issues include (1) the need for explicit studies of identification criteria; (2) the need for systematic sampling strategies; (3) development of hypothetical classifications; and (4) systematic assessment of reliability and validity of hypothetical…

Discusses the need to evaluate the effectiveness of games and simulations that are used for training and educational purposes. Evaluation criteria are described, including validity, reliability, and utility; methods of measuring training device effectiveness are explained; and problems encountered with evaluations are discussed. (30 references)…

A 1990 study of domain-referenced scores from a multiple-station clinical examination for foreign medical graduates investigated identification of essential checklist items, setting of minimum passing scores, consistency of candidate classification, and perceived appropriateness of the number of candidates classified as competent. Results and…

Logical difficulties with existing measures of construct implications are examined, and a new instrument that partially overcomes them--the Logical Relations Grid--is described. Empirical data from a study of 28 children and 47 parents in Australia are given in support of instrument reliability and validity. (SLD)

This rejoinder to Grant Wiggins on performance assessment suggests that true educational reform will undoubtedly be evidenced by something more substantial than pocket folders bulging with student work. Labeling performance tests "authentic" does not ensure their validity, reliability, or incorruptibility. Such tests are neither replacements nor…

The performance of foreign medical school graduates on multistation standardized patient-based tests was used to determine the validity and generalizability of global ratings of their clinical competence made by expert examiners. Results suggest that these ratings can be used as an effective form of assessment in this context. (Author/MSE)

Interrater reliability in numerical ratings of clerkship performance (n=1,482 students) in five surgery programs was studied. Raters were classified as accurate or moderately or significantly stringent or lenient. Results indicate that increasing the proportion of accurate raters would substantially improve the precision of class rankings. (MSE)

The Walker/Severson Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders measure was revised for use with preschool children. The revision consists of three hierarchical stages of increasingly time-consuming methodologies: (1) teacher rankings, (2) teacher ratings, and (3) direct behavioral observations. Testing with 121 children demonstrated significant…

Evaluation of the Child Dissociative Checklist found it to be a reliable and valid observer report measure of dissociation in children, including sexually abused girls and children with dissociative disorder and with multiple personality disorder. The checklist, which is appended, is intended as a clinical screening instrument and research measure…

Discusses the portability of a Canadian-made educational simulation software package, "The Electronics Workbench," to China that was part of a larger study conducted at the University of Twente (The Netherlands). Evaluation results of the software use in China are presented, including functionality for electronics education, ease of use,…