Statistical procedures for measuring heterogeneity of test item distractor distributions, or cultural variation, are presented. These procedures are based on the notion that examinees' responses to the incorrect options of a multiple-choice test provide more information concerning cultural bias than their correct responses. (Author/PN)

The present study compared the factor structures obtained when the same data were factor analyzed: (1) for the total sample (463 fifth grade students) and by sex for collapsed concepts, and (2) by individual concept for the total sample by sex, and for internal and external locus of control groups. (Author/PN)

This study was concerned with the reliability and validity of subjective judgments about five characteristics of multiple-choice test items from an introductory college-level astronomy test: (1) item difficulty, (2) language complexity, (3) content importance or relevance, (4) response set convergence, and (5) process complexity. (Author)

Presented a distinction between concepts of face validity and item subtlety. Trait categories were differentially accessible to individual judges. Higher criterion validities were associated with less subtle and more face-valid items. Results support a rational approach to test construction and emphasize the use of relevant test item content.…

Analysis of variance methods were used to investigate the reliability of scores on open ended items in the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The study was designed to determine their stability over seven different scorers and time of scoring during a three-month interval. (Author/CTM) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in…

The Bem Sex-Role Inventory was more promising of independent measurement of constructs related to masculine-feminine identity but lacked purity. Low scorers on Bem masculinity were penalized because of items related to maturity. (Author/BEF)

The purpose of this study is to check on the internal reliability of the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale with a British population aged 9 to 12 and, by means of a principal components analysis, to contruct a short form of the scale valid for both sexes. (Author)

Content-parallel questionnaire items in which response schemes varied in one of two ways--scale alternatives were all defined or only endpoints were defined, and alternatives were numbered or lettered--were investigated on a large sample of college freshmen. (Author/JKS)

Compares highly educated professional blacks with blacks whose education and occupational skills are more representative of blacks-in-general to see whether the former have distinctive personality characteristics compatible with marginality. (Author/RK)

Based upon the item analysis, reliability, and factorial validity results of this study, there is reason to question the applicability of the Career Maturity Inventory (CMI) Attitude Scale to a college population. In particular, students with self-expressed and measured levels of vocational maturity significantly differ from the norming…

Using various Latin square and incomplete Latin square formats, the Fields test formats provide a novel way of presenting tests to students using machine scoreable answer sheets that can be item analyzed. Items can be constructed to help students acquire knowledge or to measure the attainment of course objectives. (SLD)

Under certain conditions it may be possible to determine the difficulty of previously untested test items. Although no recipe can be provided, reflections on this topic are presented, drawing on concepts of item banking. A functional constructive method is suggested as having the most potential. (SLD)