Investigated demographic and psychological factors related to reactions to legal abortions in 62 females in an urban southern community. Results suggest that the social context and the degree of support from a series of significant persons rather than demographic variables were most predictive of a positive reaction. (Author)

Tested the importance of temporal trends within absenteeism data for males and females. The data support previous findings of higher absenteeism rates for women when compared to men. The data also indicate the importance of temporal trends. Conclusions are drawn concerning the use of absence rates as dependent variables. (Author)

First grade students were administered a screening battery that included the Otis-Lennon Mental Ability Test, the Metropolitan Readiness Test, the Bender Gestalt Test, and the Visual Memory Technique. Stepwise regression equations revealed that the Bender Gestalt Test significantly increased the predictive power of the test battery. (FL)

An abbreviated battery of eight screening tests was administered to 407 White first-grade boys. Discriminant analysis showed that 75 percent of those identified as being at high risk of reading failure did exhibit severe or mild comprehension problems in third grade. (Author/SJL)

A method for incorporating decline over time of the predictive validity of scores into mental test theory is presented. The procedure utilizes concepts from multiple regression and analysis of repeated measures. (JKS)

Undergraduates in study-skills course were classified by comparing actual with predicted grade point averages. Multivariate analyses of variance supported predicted precourse differences, but pattern of differences was not same for students of different personality types and academic achievement levels. Overall effectiveness of course was…

Reports a study conducted for litigation in a sex discrimination case dealing with misuse of an employment interview. Results show that dexterity could not be determined in an interview and a more appropriate selection technique such as a test was required. (Author/JAC)

Summarizes six instruments for coding who offers and who accepts control in a relationship. Discusses the instruments in terms of their conceptual strengths and compares the construct validity and predictive validity of each. (JMF)

After a brief historical (Orton) and theoretical (Gibson) look at the phenomenon of reversals, two groups of studies are reviewed and evaluated. The first group involves neurological and psychological factors associated with reversals such as age and training. The second relates reversals to reading disabilities and to future reading achievement.…

The Purpose in Life (PIL) measures more than absence of depression and internalized perceived locus of psychological reinforcement. Depressed external individuals are more identifiable from their existential malaise or emptyness. The experience of reinforcement for being in the world is beyond their control. (Author)

Alienation is viewed as a relatively stable and enduring characteristic of individuals. Significant correlations were found between the alienation scale, administered before matriculation, and three indices of adjustment in the freshman year (i.e., the adjustment scale, an activities checklist, and attrition). (Author)

The California Entry Level Test (ELT) means are used with demographic variables to predict differences among California schools and districts on subsequent reading achievement tests. Factor analyses resulted in distinct factors for each of the subtests. The validity of the ELT was very high for its intended purpose. (Author/BW)

The authors discuss the major points of Jackson's reply to their criticisms of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), and reassert their claim that, if the SAT is judged on the basis of its predictive validity, it should be dropped as a college admission requirement. (SK)

The vocational evaluation system has demonstrated relatively strong predictive validity in use with handicapped and disadvantaged individuals receiving vocational evaluation services. These findings permit greater confidence on the part of counselors, evaluators, and job placement specialists in determining occupational directions for their…

A regression equation incorporating grade point average (GPA), calculus grade, and grades in two sections of the Pharmacy College Admission Test was significantly more useful than using GPA alone. A minimum sum of scores in three PCAT sections was most effective. Cross-validation with new samples was recommended. (Author/CP)