Factor analysis problems of scales with dichotomous items were illustrated using the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for Children. A different solution than that of R. E. Lindal and P. H. Venables (1983) was obtained, despite using similar samples--2 random samples of 671 and 674 male seventh and eighth graders. (SLD)

Examines and compares the characteristics of four computer attitude scales: (1) Stevens'"Computer Survey"; (2) Reece and Gable's "Attitudes toward Computers"; (3) Gressard and Loyd's "Computer Attitude Scale"; and (4) Griswold's "Computer Use Questionnaire." Attitudes toward computer scales are examined, and…

Tests the validity of the Affect Balance Scale test (ABS) using a sample of 380 undergraduates at Oklahoma State University. Finds students' answers reflect duality of feelings. Concludes researchers must be cautious in their choice of scales comparing psychological well-being over the life course. (NL)

A national survey assessing the degree and kind of family intervention services received was completed by 503 mothers with handicapped children in early intervention programs. Factor analysis was performed and items used to construct the Family-Focused Intervention Scale with 5 reliable subscales. Comparisons among groups of mothers supported…

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to explore relationships among existing item types and three new computer-administered item types for the analytical scale of the Graduate Record Examination General Test. Results with 349 students indicate constructs the item types are measuring. (SLD)

Describes and compares the research that has utilized and specifically tested the measurement instrument known as the MECA (Measurement of Elementary Communication Apprehension). Offers cautions, develops problems, and provides recommendations for future research. (SR)

The Participation Reasons Scale (PRS) was used with Army Engineers to study the effects that academic preparation, leadership and functional roles, and occupational specialty have on reasons for becoming involved in training and education. Five general factors were identified: professional improvement and development, personal security, enhancing…

A study of 71 mothers interacting with their 2- to 5-year-old children analyzed structural organization and communicative function of their speech and identified three maternal communicative styles: non-intervening; explaining; and directing. Internal consistency of the three styles appeared to be both satisfactory and related to relevant child…

Examined factor structure of the emotional Autonomy Scale (EAS) in 3 samples of adolescents, with each sample consisting of 3 racial/ethnic groups. Found that the EAS exhibited poor construct validity and behaved quite differently for different grade and ethnic groups. Suggested that the most credible solution may be to reexamine the conceptual…

Factor analytic and construct validity studies were conducted to explore the validity of Cicirelli's 13-item Filial Anxiety Scale (FAS). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale were a part of the investigation. Results offer support for the validity of the FAS subscales and the FAS' usefulness as an…

This study evaluated 3 models of personal competence in 180 students with mild and 143 students with moderate/severe mental disabilities. Results support the original Greenspan model that includes physical and emotional competence and practical, social, and conceptual intelligence, rather than the American Association on Mental Retardation model…

The Child Behavior Rating Form (CBRF) was adapted for use with children having mental retardation and was named the Nisonger CBRF. Independent factor analyses of parent and teacher ratings for 369 children produced 2 Social Competence subscales and 6 Problem Behavior subscales. Internal consistency was generally high and parent-teacher agreement…

The structure of temperament over the ages 3 to 7 years was investigated through factor analysis of maternal ratings of 1,366 children on the Childhood Temperament Questionnaire (CTQ). Found four strong factors (inflexibility, sociability, persistence, and rhythmicity) and two weak ones (activity-mood and threshold). Discusses the strengths and…

Undergraduates completed the new Civic Attitudes and Skills Questionnaire designed to measure attitudes, skills, and behavioral intentions that might be affected by service learning participation. Factor analyses were used to define six scales. The scales' reliability and validity were found to be adequate. (EV)

Used an empirically based strategy to develop a measure of ethnic identity among American Indian adolescents, focusing on degree to which respondents identified with Indian culture and with White culture. Exploratory factor analysis examined the structure of ethnic identity, and resulting models were tested with confirmatory factor analysis.…