When scores from a modified (modification affecting response bias) Sheehan/Betts imagery questionnaire were reanalyzed, previous findings--that females report more vivid imagery than males--were not confirmed. It is argued that previously reported sex differences may be artificial in so far as imagery vividness scores are concerned. (Author/KC)

Data from a large racially representative sample of school children showed that the trend toward placing minority students into special education classes in disproportionate numbers has been complicated by the introduction of the learning disability (LD) category. (Author)

Questions are raised regarding the validity of norm-referenced tests and mass testing as accurate methods for evaluating student educational needs. (LH)

Examined cultural bias of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) for Anglo-American, Black, and Mexican American children. Minority children responded in the same way as Anglo-American children. No clear pattern to items on the test that were more difficult for minority children appeared. The WISC-R appears to be nonbiased.…

Findings indicated that the judges were not able to determine accurately which items were more difficult for minority students and that there was no significant difference in accuracy between judges of the different ethnic backgrounds. (Author)

Concludes that there is no evidence for differential validity in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) between racial subgroups and that black norms for the MMPI are premature. Criticism of these findings is also presented. (Author/BEF)

Seeking to compare the original Wechler Intelligence Scale (WISC) with its revised version, the WISC-R, this study compared WISC-R scores of 50 Black children with their WISC scores taken two years previously. Mean scores on the WISC-R were lower on the Verbal Scale, Performance Scale, and Full Scale. (DS)

No meaningful differences were found for four ethnic groups (black, Spanish, Jewish, Caucasian-Gentile) in the factor structures of the CEEB Comparative Guidance and Placement Programs Battery, thus confirming its cross-ethnic factorial validity. Thus it is recommended for use in counseling and placement functions even in institutions having…

Comparison of standardized test scores and language arts portfolios of 5,264 first and second graders showed that alternative assessments can decrease inequities between blacks and whites. However, girls performed far better than boys on portfolios than on standardized tests. (SK)

Examines the effects of essay topic variations on the writing performance of honors students and students of low ability taking Florida's College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST). Finds that the effects of variations in essay topics are not significant compared to general verbal ability in English and prior experiences in writing. (RS)

Item Response Theory and Mantel-Haenszel approaches for investigating differential item performance were compared to assess the level of agreement of the approaches in identifying potentially biased items. Subjects were 2,000 White and 2,000 Native American high school students. The Mantel-Haenszel method provides an acceptable approximation of…

Eighty-seven employed people completed a graphic rating or a forced ranking questionnaire describing their immediate superiors. Transformational and transactional leadership constructs were examined in relation to the participant's leadership prototype, leniency in rating, and general satisfaction. Overall, forced ranking yielded more independent…

Argues that occupational tests can exclude racial minorities and that many industrial psychologists have overlooked evidence that many tests are biased and that some claims for validity generalization are based on faulty science. Outlines what plaintiff's counsel looks for in deciding to try a testing case, and provides primer on how to challenge…

The consequences of using item response theory (IRT) item bias detecting procedures with multidimensional IRT item data are examined. Limitations in procedures for detecting item bias are discussed. (SLD)

Several meanings of bias are examined, and evidence concerning the validity of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, which has been widely criticized, is presented. Several forms of alleged bias are addressed, including underprediction of minority group college performance, bias in test use, measurement bias, and sex bias. (MSE)