Phonological awareness is explored as a process for studying the cognitive deficits of dyslexic children without undermining the assumption of specificity. Discussed are the operation of Matthew effects, the importance of strict psychometric criteria in dyslexia definitions, and recognition that dyslexia represents an arbitrary criterion in a…

Presents an overview of two approaches for the maintenance of standards and explores the psychometric aspects of each. In the first approach, tests items are a fixed factor. In the second, two or more examinations can be constructed in advance. Suggests using the Rasch model to evaluate both approaches. (KO)

The performance of 136 college students at the University of Western Ontario (Canada) on various parameters of two well-known puzzles was compared with performance on a measure of general intelligence and the Hidden Figures Test. An interpretation of the results is provided by Sternberg's experimental subtheory of intelligence. (SLD)

Reviews investigations of McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities as applicable to Puerto Rican and Mexican American children. Information too limited to draw conclusions regarding Puerto Rican applicability. Scales show promise as intelligence test for Mexican Americans. Recommends further research, especially among special education students.…

This paper presents a new stochastic multidimensional scaling vector threshold model designed to analyze "pick any/n" choice data. A maximum likelihood procedure is formulated to estimate a joint space of both individuals and stimuli. The non-linear probit type model is described, and a Monte Carlo analysis is performed. (TJH)

The stability of psychometric "g," the general factor of intelligence, is investigated in simulated correlation matrices and in typical empirical data from a large battery of mental tests. "G" is robust and almost invariant across methods of analysis. A reasonable strategy for estimating "g" is suggested. (SLD)

Clinical data from 140 primary caregivers seeking dementia evaluation for family member were analyzed to establish psychometric properties of a caregiver burden screen. Results indicate cutoff values were both sensitive and specific to negative caregiving outcomes. Findings suggest use of burden screen may assist clinicians when assessing adequacy…

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised is a semistructured interview for caregivers of children/adults for whom autism/pervasive developmental disorders is a possible diagnosis. The interview was reorganized, shortened, and modified for children with mental ages from 18 months into adulthood. Its psychometric properties are strong for preschool…

Examines psychometric characteristics of the 100-item Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) in a sample of 370 psychiatric inpatients and psychotherapy outpatients. Post hoc multiple regression analyses indicated that client age, sex, inpatient versus outpatient status, childhood sexual and physical abuse, and adult sexual assault were unique predictors…

Three short forms of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R), developed in 1991, were cross-validated on 207 male and 133 female adolescent psychiatric inpatients and outpatients. Results show psychometric properties for the short forms that are comparable to those of the WAIS-R standardization sample. (SLD)

The relationship between psychometric intelligence and reaction times (RT) was studied in 60 undergraduates using an elementary cognitive task, the Sentence-Picture Verification Test. Results, which show that psychometric intelligence is substantially correlated with RTs even after practice, support the mental speed hypothesis of general…

A technique is presented to transform incomplete categorical data into complete data by imputing appropriate scores into missing cells. A solution of the optimization problem is suggested, and relevant psychometric theory is discussed. The average correlation should be at least 0.50 before the method becomes practical. (SLD)

The relationship between elementary operations underlying processing of numerical information and performance on psychometrically derived ability measures requiring processing of numbers but defining separate ability factors was studied for 102 Air Force recruits (54 males and 48 females). Patterns of convergent and discriminate relationships for…

Principal components analysis of standardization sample data for the Comprehensive Test of Adaptive Behavior, involving 6,647 persons with mental retardation, found that a single factor accounted for 86 percent of the variance in category scores. Use of the Total Score and idiographic item clusters is psychometrically preferable to use of category…

Because they used an inappropriate statistical procedure, J. H. Kranzler and A. R. Jensen (1991) have not demonstrated that a factor of general intelligence ("g") depends on several independent factors. A factorial reanalysis of their data suggests that speed and efficiency of information processing are important in "g." (SLD)