This report summarizes the research and development activities of two Work units of the Schools and Maturity program from March 1, 1973 to November 30, 1975. The two Work Units described are (1) Theory Construction and Test Development, and (2) Validation of Psychosocial Maturity Scales. Abstracts of technical reports and journal articles…

This study attempted to develop and validate a set of scales to measure ecological characteristics of environmental setting in home and preschool. Scales were developed to assess four characteristics of environmental setting: (1) accessibility, the ease with which a child can interact with his environment; (2) configuration, the function and…

The validity of student ratings of instruction as assessed by the Student Instructional Report are reported in two studies. The first investigated correlations between ratings and achievement in 72 sections of seven courses in an attempt to answer the question: Do students learn more from teachers they rate as more effective? The second study…

Use of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and undergraduate grade point average for members of minority groups are examined in relationship to recent LSAT studies and related research on admissions tests and test bias. Traditional predictors of law school grades were found to be as accurate for minority as for majority persons. (JT)

The California State University and Colleges English Placement Test was designed to provide information about the reading and writing skills of newly admitted college students. The validity of this measure is examined. (Author/JKS)

The responses from 212 college students in an educational psychology course to the Inventory of Student Perception of Instruction and the Instructional Improvement Questionnaire were factor analyzed and related to three measures of course achievement. All three measures correlated significantly with each of the six factors drawn from each…

The responses of five samples of elementary and secondary school students to the Brooks Student Questionnaire were factor analyzed. Extracted factors, centile norms, and reliability data are reported. (Author/JKS)

A scale measuring attitudes toward small-group teaching was administered to 442 teachers from 28 elementary and secondary schools in Israel. At least two dimensions of attitudes were identified: control over class and efficiency of the method. (Author/JKS)

Increases in competency testing as a basis for student promotion and graduation are described. Examines the complexities and implementation of minimal competency testing and argues for consideration of unresolved issues: (1) definition of "minimal competency," (2) determination of appropriate measures, and (3) use of minimal competency concept in…

Although the value of self-study was found to be accepted by a majority of those involved in medical laboratory programs, it is evident that validity, in terms of improved educational programs, can be assessed only after a sufficient number of programs have had a second site visit based on a second or updated self-study. (Author/LBH)

Scores on the Role Construct Repertory Test exhibited significant correlations with other forms of cognitive functioning, including American College Test scores in science and mathematics for a group of 79 college students. The Grid Form of the test was used. Test-retest reliability was low. (Author/CTM)

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is shown to be a better predictor of first semester college grade point average than the American College Test (ACT) at a highly selective midwestern university. (JKS)

Finds that text material in final (end-of-school) French oral examinations in Germany do not correspond with the accomplishment to be expected of the students, in both appropriateness and degree of difficulty. Offers criteria, sample texts, and suggestions regarding reasonable requirements. (IFS/WGA)

The literature on the use of student ratings of teachers is reviewed, and the empirical, discriminant, and content validity of the ratings are discussed. Since findings regarding validity conflict, teacher rating forms should be used with caution. Suggestions for improved use are included. (GDC)

Presents a conceptualization that there is a strong relationship between the personality characteristic of communication apprehension and a set of theoretically relevant behaviors. Predicts an empirical distinction between apprehension and attitude, and compares three self-report measures of apprehension. (JMF)