Describes the development of a work sample battery designed for assessment of vocational aptitudes, interests, and temperament in a disadvantaged client population. VITAS provides information about factors most related to success on the job: interest in the job, temperament for the job, and aptitudes for physical and cognitive components of the…

Using meta-analytic techniques to review research on the effectiveness of programed instruction in higher education gave precision to conclusions in the areas investigated: (1) overall effects of programed teaching; (2) relationship between study features and study outcomes; and (3) results of attribute-treatment and multifactor studies. (RL)

The author describes the nature of music aptitudes of very young children and presents validity information which pertains to the Primary Measures of Music Audiation, a group test designed to identify musically gifted children and to diagnose the musical strengths and weaknesses of each young child. (SBH)

Investigated the role of cognitive complexity in the career maturity of college students. Results generally supported the prediction that career maturity would be positively associated with cognitive complexity. (Author)

Comparison of twins (40 identical and 23 fraternal) for mathematics deficits (MD), in which at least one member had a mathematics disability, found evidence for a significant genetic etiology. However, tests for the differential etiology of MD as a function of reading performance level were nonsignificant. (Author/DB)

This report reviews and compares in a table 16 aptitude and achievement instruments that are used in career assessment and counseling. Includes information about publishers, intended population, time, scoring, computerization, cost, and reviews. (JOW)

One study tested two- through five-factor models of math self-efficacy sources with 295 college students, supporting a four-factor structure (performance, vicarious learning, social persuasion, emotional arousal). In a second study of 481 high school students, data fit a five-factor model (performance, adult modeling, peer modeling, social…

Intelligence Quotient scores are only predictors of performance, not precise measures of intelligence. They are most useful in conjunction with other assessments of potential such as achievement tests and daily performance. An explanation of how scores are derived and a brief history of IQ testing are included. (IAH)

Alternate versions of the Western Personnel Test were administered via computer and in the standard paper and pencil format to two groups of adults (N=50). Results suggest that the two forms of administration yield comparable results, and that separate norms for the computer-administered version are not necessary. (TJH)

Evaluation of school records of 379 students, ages 6-12 years, referred for possible learning disability (LD) placement found that more than 80 percent of the referred students were placed in LD classes and that two-thirds of those referred scored below the severe discrepancy cutoff on the aptitude-achievement formula. (Author/DB)

Relationship between stimulus type (numeric or verbal) and type of precocity (mathematical and verbal) was studied in 104 gifted young adolescents through tasks measuring working memory. The relationship between type of stimulus and type of precocity suggests underlying differences between verbally and mathematically precocious youth in memory…

Conducted workshop for high school seniors, 50 of whom had taken Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and 50 of whom had taken Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). After completion of six-hour program on application of game-playing strategies to SAT, both retakers and first-time takers of SAT (who had previously taken PSAT) raised their scores…

The two symposium articles extend "USA Today" SAT state ranking efforts by examining which states have the highest achievers, add the most value to enrolled students, and use resources most effectively. Dynarski and Gleason show that this test measures educational achievement more than innate ability. Graham and Husted adjust rankings…

Incorporates test-takers' sociodemographic characteristics and state participation rates into an educational production function using the 1991 state-level Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) data. Test-takers' sex, income, and parents' education are important determinants of student performance, in addition to the state participation rate. Adjusted…

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is often used to measure educational performance at national, state, and local levels. Because participation rates differ considerably, such comparisons are invalid. This article proposes a regression model framework for adjusting SAT scores. Results are validated by comparing adjusted SAT scores with state…