Argues that individual and group differences in priming performance scores are heavily influenced by overall speed and accuracy, and thus are a flawed reflection of internal activation of semantic priming. Suggests that meaningful comparison of groups on the activation underlying priming difference scores requires removing the effects of overall…

Describes a study that explored the relationship between the number of cited references used in a citation search and retrieval effectiveness, analyzing the overlap among posting sets retrieved by various combinations of cited references. Findings showed that the more cited references used for a citation search result, the better the performance.…

Reviews the place of rating scales in second-language measurement and summarizes some of the problems associated with them. Standard and alternative scales were studied. High agreement among raters can be achieved even under conditions not favorable to high interrater reliability. The full range of score categories are effectively utilized. (17…

Development of an alternate form of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Test is described. Reliability analysis with 449 children of differing racial/ethnic backgrounds showed good reliability and comparable predictive validity. The alternate form is a promising research tool. (SLD)

Reports on a series of tests made to determine whether a correlation exists between modes of testing and the ability of Russian language students to place stress correctly. Contrary to the hypothesis, it was found that a significant variation did occur in the results obtained both for test type and test modality. (16 references) (MDM)

Psychometric properties of a Goals Inventory developed to measure learning and performance goal orientations were investigated with 187 undergraduates. The instrument was shown to be internally consistent and reliable over time, with a high degree of convergent and divergent validity, well suited for measurement with adults. (SLD)

This user ratings survey focuses on bibliographic citation management software; its value to manage citation databases; and its ability to provide reports that adhere to standard bibliographic styles for publications. Service and support, reliability, ease of use, vendor integrity, and user satisfaction are discussed for each of seven software…

Instruments used to measure creativity by 418 school districts as part of their identification procedures for gifted programs were studied. Results indicated that districts often select instruments for assessing creativity without attending to the definition of the construct. Creativity is often assessed in ways that may not be valid or reliable.…

A study involving 174 at-risk undergraduate students provided evidence of the construct validity of 5 factors corresponding to scales of the Dimensions of Self-Concept measure. Evidence was obtained for a higher order general academic self-concept, but the anxiety factor was not related to this higher order factor. (SLD)

Examines the stability reliability for the Woodcock-Johnson-Revised (WJ-R) and the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement with approximately a two-week retest interval. Results indicate that across grade levels, the Broad Reading Cluster for the WJ-R remained the same. Most correlations for the clusters for mathematics and written language were…

Demonstrates a statistical model that can be used to develop graphical displays of uncertainty in student grade level placements versus their potential attainment. Suggests how the model can help determine how well the British National Curriculum assessments are working. (SK)

A functional screening and identification system for behavior problems among preschool children, ages 3 through 5, was assessed with 2,853 children from regular and special education preschool and kindergarten classrooms in 8 states. The Early Screening Project procedure was found to provide reliable, accurate, and cost-effective screening. (SW)

Assessed the reliability and validity of Cole's four-item version of the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire (SBQ). Clinical outpatients and undergraduates completed the SBQ and other measures. Results indicated the SBQ's strength lay in two areas: internal consistency and test-retest reliability over a two-week time period. (RJM)

Describes current phallometric test practices in relation to criminal justice, and community responses to these cases. Concludes that the available research evidence does not offer clear support for the use of phallometric data in clinical and legal decision-making processes, particularly with respect to men who have not admitted offenses. (RJM)

Interrelated analyses were conducted with more than 4,000 college students to examine the reliability and validity of the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) and to develop and validate a short version of the scale. Results provide moderate support for the reliability and validity of both the TPQ and the short form. (SLD)