Examined the usefulness of the Psychiatric Evaluation Form (PEF) scales to quantify clinical interview data for children (N=207) who were survivors of the Buffalo Creek flood. Ratings from interviews conducted six months apart and by interviewers with different purposes were significantly correlated, suggesting the PEF scales are valid. (JAC)

Studied predictability of therapeutic outcome of an alcoholism treatment program. Data analyzed by a mathematically oriented linear regression approach and by a clinically oriented retrospective parametric approach showed different predictors. Suggested that the parametric clinical approach be used to explain why therapy succeeded or failed.…

Studied the relationship between Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised) scores obtained through three testing conditions (praise, neutral feedback, and token reinforcement) and previous records of academic achievement for conduct-disordered adolescent girls (N=51). Results showed that regardless of testing conditions, the subtests were…

This study extended the knowledge of the explanatory power of Tinto's theoretical model of college persistence/withdrawal through a multi-institutional validation. Path analysis was used to test the model overall and at three different groupings of postsecondary institutions: four-year, predominantly residential; and four-year, and two-year,…

Compared parents from families (N=103) with retarded children who began a training program in behavior management. Based on posttraining assessment, low proficient parents were designated as lower socioeconomic status with less experience. A prediction based on six-month follow-up indicated low follow-through families had achieved less…

This study examined, within the same sample, the effects of gender and race on the relationship between predictor measures of academic performance and subsequent first-year college performance for developmental studies students. (Author/PN)

Zajonc and Bargh's (EJ 241 537) application of the confluence model to six national data sets is critiqued. Extreme differences in intelligence levels are predicted between nations, including substantial retardation for some populations. Moreover, the parameter values used do not allow mental growth functions which are consistent with previous…

Where human beings are concerned and complex behavior is involved, prediction of future performance is no simple matter. Scientifically developed, systematically standardized and carefully validated tests have emerged as the most reliable tools in predictive efficacy. If opponents of standardized testing win, society will lose. (Author/CM)

This study determined the predictive validity of the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory relative to that afforded by the American College Testing Program's (ACT) Assessment composite score in forecasting academic success in a three-year, hospital-based nursing diploma program, as measured by…

The purpose of this study was to determine the difficulty level, the internal consistency, and the usefulness of the Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT) as a predictor of college freshmen grades. Adding the NDRT to a prediction equation already containing high school grade point average did improve the prediction. (Author/BW)

Investigated the relationship between the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 4-3 high-point pair and the Overcontrolled-Hostility (O-H) scale in prisoners, psychology clinic outpatients, and inpatients at a state hospital. Results suggested the O-H scale and the 4-3 high-point pair are correlated and seem to measure the same types of…

Tested the degree of association between probation officers' sent and received roles and role behavior in four juvenile courts. Found the role communicated to probation officers by their superiors was predictive of the role the probation officers perceived but not of the role as enacted with juveniles. (Author)

A validity study on a locally developed college entrance examination was conducted. Thirteen variables combined accounted for only 20 percent of the total variance in university grade point average. A critical analysis of the entrance examination and university selection procedures is discussed and contrasted with data from United States colleges.…

Investigated participants' assessments of the anticipated effectiveness of their judgmental decisions in several studies. Found that their estimates were poorly and inconsistently related to objective measures of effectiveness. This result raises a need for improved approaches to assessing judgmental decisions and identifying participants who make…

Studies the success of job search methods used by young adults. Demographic factors account for less than half the variance in employment and less in job satisfaction. Results show ambition, education, persistence, and careful job search techniques, such as an effective resume, improve chances of finding employment. (JAC)