Significance tests are often used inappropriately in counseling research. In addition to comments on the significance test controversy (Vacha-Haase and Nilsson, this issue), a wider historical context and personal experiences are provided. The controversy is discussed, and seven recommendations for using significance tests are included. (EMK)

A scale to measure denial among sexual offenders was developed for male incest offenders (N=265). Validity and reliability were tested. Four subscales correspond to the domains of denial: facts, awareness, impact, and responsibility. Development strategy and psychometric analysis are reported. Recommendations for further research are included.…

Developed a multidimensional scale of adolescents' satisfaction with mental health services with items derived from qualitative interviews about their experiences in services. Results from 180 adolescents indicate the psychometric qualities of the scale. Discusses the four-factor structure and scale reliability. (SLD)

Presents a model of the cognitive frameworks and processes used by essay scorers. Investigates the relationship between a scorer's reading style and proficiency with a scoring rubric. Finds that proficient scorers are better able to withhold judgment and may focus their efforts more intensely on the process of evaluation. Discusses implications of…

Discusses three areas essential in reporting on school improvement plans: process, which refers to the legitimacy of procedures used to assess the improvement plan; equity, pertaining to methods that show both low- and high-achieving students benefiting from the plan; and reporting, which refers to clarity of presentation. (JDI)

The reliability of the "What If" Situations Test was studied to determine its utility as an evaluation tool for young children (N=406), which would provide a measurement tool with demonstrated psychometric properties for evaluating child sexual abuse-prevention programs. Advantages and limitations of the measure are presented and…

Examined the psychometric properties of a social competence scale for school-age children. Factor analyses identified two moderately correlated competence aspects, Prosocial Orientation and Social Initiative. Scale showed reliability across one year, and concurrent and predictive validity in interrater agreement; also corresponded with observed…

Classical test theory is founded on the proposition that measurement error, a random latent variable, is a component of the observed score random variable. This article traces the history of the development of classical test theory, beginning in the early 20th century. (SLD)

Three studies of college students (n=178, 129, and 96) evaluated the reliability and validity of the Assessment of Attributions for Career Decision-Making instrument. Factor analysis supported a three-factor structure. The instrument demonstrated adequate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct, criterion, and incremental…

Presents a brief discussion of the use and misuse of psychometric tests as well as discriminatory practices. Presents a case of freedom of choice. Discusses the need for further research with particular emphasis on program evaluation. (RS)

Highlights some of the psychometric results reported by National Evaluation Systems in their study of the Massachusetts Educator Certification Test and identifies characteristics of this test that are inconsistent with the "Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing." Comments also on an Alabama class action lawsuit dealing with…

An analysis of data from the 1990 National Assessment of Educational Progress Trial State Assessment suggests that person-fit statistics may not provide additional information about results of psychometrically strong achievement tests. More research is needed before person-fit statistics can be used routinely in analysis of item response data.…

Presents conclusions of an independent measurement expert that the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) was constructed according to acceptable professional standards and tests curricular material considered by the Texas Board of Education important for graduates to have mastered. Also supports the validity and reliability of the TAAS and…

Building on social constructivism, culturally affirming career assessment should take a unificationist perspective, which does not assume the validity of tests across cultural contexts. Generalizability and item response theory are better suited than classical test theory to the unificationist perspective. (SK)

This study analyzed 36 digitized spondaic words for speech reception threshold in an attempt to create a more homogeneous set of spondaic words for research on determining hearing loss for speech. None of the acoustic properties were correlated with word thresholds. When the threshold of each word was adjusted to the mean threshold, dispersion was…