The hypothetical idea of a perfectly pure psychometric "g" is empirically unattainable. Because the unity of "g" cannot be proved or disproved by factor analysis, the unitary "g" hypothesis represents a parsimonious assumption. J. B. Carroll's (1991) analysis demonstrates the relationship between psychometric and…

The Groningen Social Disabilities Schedule for the assessment of social dysfunctioning of psychiatric patients is described. The measure is based on social role theory and the hierarchy in social disabilities as well as compatibility with the International Classification of Impairments. The semistructured measure allows for posing supplementary…

This book uses concepts familiar to those with a working knowledge of basic statistics and classical test theory to present item response theory models that are currently in wide use in both practical testing and research. The book would serve as a good entry-level graduate text in psychometrics and measurement methods. (SLD)

Measurement and psychometric quality of the Sternberg task (S. Sternberg, 1966, 1969), a memory search task, was investigated with 78 undergraduates. Individual performance was fairly homogeneous across responses, fairly unstable over time, and fairly stable across stimulus content. Implications for individual differences research are discussed.…

The psychometric properties of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory-High School (LASSI-HS) was studied with 139 female high school students from Singapore. Results indicate that the LASSI-HS yields reliable measures of learning and study behaviors, but the underlying structure of the measure suggested in its manual was not supported. (SLD)

Provides psychometric information on the second edition of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) (A. Beck, R. Steer, and G. Brown, 1996) for internal consistency, factorial validity, and gender differences. Results indicate that the BDI-II is a stronger instrument than its predecessor in terms of factor structure. (SLD)

Examines the psychometric properties of Psychological Sense of School Membership-Brief Questionnaire (PSSM-Brief). Middle school students (N=120) completed the PSSM-Brief. Results show high internal consistency and validity. Results were consistent with prior research pertaining to the PSSM. (Author/MKA)

Formulates sequential rules for adapting the appropriate amount of instruction to learning needs in the context of computer-based instruction. Topics include Bayesian decision theory, threshold and linear-utility structure, psychometric model, optimal sequential number of test questions, and an empirical example of sequential instructional…

This study examined the validity and reliability of the Pre-school Behaviour Checklist (PBCL) for Turkish nursery school children. Data were obtained from 902 children, 24 to 82 months old, attending state or private nursery schools. Findings suggested that the PBCL has psychometric properties comparable to the British sample and could be used…

Describes short-form versions of the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories (CDIs) and their development, summarizes newly available normative data and psychometric properties of the instruments, and discusses research and clinical applications. (Author/VWL)

Uses exploratory factor-analysis and confirmatory factor-analysis to identify and cross-validate the factorial structure underlying two group intelligence tests and two group-Piagetian tests. Establishes a high degree of overlap between Piagetian and psychometric intelligence tests, most likely because both types of test appear to measure…

The psychometric properties of the Hopelessness Scale for Children (A. Kazdin et al., 1983) were examined for children and adolescents with mental retardation or a learning disability. Analyses of scores from 261 students shows a factor structure almost identical to the original structure and scale scores of adequate validity. (SLD)

Suggests a comprehensive approach to evaluation of allegations of sexual abuse by nonverbal autistic people via facilitated communication. Urges specialized psychometric testing, use of an alternative to "message passing" in facilitated communication, and systematic analysis of the allegations. (DB)

The utility of the Test for Severe Impairment was studied with 60 older persons who had Down Syndrome. Construct validity, test-retest reliability, and interrater reliability were established for the full study group and for subgroups based on degree of mental retardation and dementia status. Some possible applications and limitations of the test…

The interrelation of 4 achievement tests was investigated with 202 students (mean age 11) with specific learning disabilities. Although, in general, achievement subtests claiming to measure the same academic construct were moderately to strongly related, significant mean differences were present on several measures claiming to measure the same…