A review is presented of the basic characteristics of the techniques and tests commonly used with hyperactive children. Observation techniques, performance tests, cognitive measures, behavior rating scales, and measures of physical activity are discussed. (MV)

This research attempts to determine whether Behavioral Observation Scales (BOS) could be improved by developing them through quantitative methods. The underlying assumption was that developing composite scales with greater internal consistency might improve their generalizability as evidenced by the cross-validation coefficients of scales based on…

The Preschool Behavior Questionnaire is a screening instrument designed for use by preschool teachers which provides norms for children, ages 3 to 6 years. (Author)

A study involving 63 reading disabled children (7 to 12 years old) attempted to define more clearly the subgroups of learning disabled children. (Author/SBH)

Parents and teachers of 98 developmentally delayed children (ages 5-17) rated the childrens abilities for self-help, speech/language, and play skills and for the presence of behavior problems. Significant agreement was found on 77% of the items. The mean level of agreement was 68%. (Author/DB)

Part of a special issue on adaptive behavior, the article presents a brief and selective history of the care and treatment of persons with mental retardation, emphasizing the roles that adaptive behavior has played in assessment and treatment. Current and possible future applications of adaptive behavior are also discussed. (Author/JW)

Adaptive behavior and mental retardation are addressed in terms of their historical relationship, current definitions and concepts, and issues related to structure and content. The role of community environmental factors in the adaptive behavior of mentally retarded persons is examined. Through a case study, implications of using adaptive behavior…

This article provides a self-appraisal form which can be used to inspire and rejuvenate teaching performance. Its ultimate goal is to improve teaching skills, either in general or in a particular area. Appropriate references for further reading are given. A sidebar includes one teacher's evaluation of the form and its usefulness. (JL)

Tests the validity and reliability of a scale (Mental Development Scales: Birth to Three Years) designed to assess developmental levels of children from birth to three years. (HOD)

This paper presents two related studies describing the development and validation of the Teacher-Child Rating Scale (T-CRS), a brief objective socioemotional measure. Teachers rated K-6th graders on the T-CRS, and ratings were factor analyzed into three six-item problem and three six-item competence scales. (Author/LMO)

Assessment for Instructional Development (AID), a behaviorally referenced class questionnaire, is described. The characteristics and capabilities of the system are outlined. Three typical uses of the system are illustrated, and the questionnaires are appended. (Author/MLW)

Human resource development specialists have employed analytical devices to assist them in identifying the trainees' personal, occupational, and professional characteristics. A new instrument called the Locus of Responsibility Inventory assumes that leadership is an unconscious choice that the individuals make as a result of their perception of how…

Investigated the particular beliefs that differentiate types of argumentative individuals. Found that high argumentative students tend to perceive arguing primarily as an enjoyable learning experience demonstrating rhetorical skills, while low argumentatives view arguing as a hostile communication encounter that increases conflict between people.…

Investigated the effect of three formats of a rating scale on 11 teachers' effectiveness in identifying gifted students. Results suggested a behavior rating scale resulted in the greatest number of children being correctly identified. Nomination forms should be made sensitive to the specific population being screened. (JAC)

This paper compares scores on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) at the initial interview and at the 90-day follow-up interview for children in day treatment settings with those children receiving weekly psychotherapy. The participants included 143 children between 10 and 15 years of age who were diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder or…