Empirical results are presented as regards the implementation of a latent-trait psychometric model by means of conditional maximum likelihood estimation. Items are scored polychotomously into varying numbers of nominal categories and the test and item characteristic curves and information functions are examined. It is concluded that scoring items…

The study attempted to demonstrate significant relationships between systematically derived occupational descriptors and selected measures of worker characteristics in the affective domain. The predictor variables were derived from the Occupation Analysis Inventory (OAI) and consisted of work-dimension scores describing occupations in terms of…

It is argued that early childhood education programs should be evaluated in terms of criteria other than measurement and testing procedures. Programs should be judged on criteria such as responsiveness to clients--the children, parents, and communities they serve. Teachers trained in observational and evaluative techniques should conduct ongoing…

This report describes the Maladaptive Behavior Record (MBR), a behavioral assessment scale developed for use in a longitudinal follow-up study of released adult offenders. The scale focused upon the identification and specification of maladaptive behaviors that are associated with postrelease success or failure, and is valid for and predictive of…

The sequence of development as hypothesized by Piaget has been confirmed for various groups of children by cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Such consistency has increased interest in constructing scales based on Piaget's theory according to psychometric principles. Three major problems are discussed which present definite obstacles in the…

Factor analysis was performed on the Charles F. Kettering (CFK) scale (a measure of school climate). The multivariate analysis of responses by 1,163 students, teachers, and administrators indicated that new subscales should be designed to improve overall scale validity. (TJH)

The article reviews statistical and psychometric issues associated with the severe discrepancy definition of learning disabilities used in Public Law 94-142. It is proposed that these issues should not drive the psychological theory of learning disabilities and should be replaced by constructs firmly grounded in psychological theories of learning.…

Evaluated the psychometric characteristics of the Children's Beliefs about Parental Divorce Scale with three nonclinic samples. Demonstrated six subscales: Peer Ridicule and Avoidance, Paternal Blame, Fear of Abandonment, Maternal Blame, Hope of Reunification, and Self-Blame. The number of problematic beliefs varied by family structure but not by…

The research and development of mental (standardized) testing and its relationship to educational practice is traced historically from its pre-World War I roots to its controversial national prominence in the 1970s. How standardized tests have been used in research and in schools is analyzed. (BS)

Three studies evaluating the reliability and validity of the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (OM-EIS) are reported. Two studies analyzed college students' results from the OM-EIS, the Extended Range Vocabulary Test, the Crowne-Marlowe Social Disability Scale and achievement records. Study 3 correlated high school seniors' OM-EIS scores…

Field dependence and spatial ability are examined as different labels for a common underlying dimension. Sixty college students completed two tests of field dependence and two tests of spatial ability. Results of an analysis of covariance found no evidence to view the two traits as distinct from each other. (Author/LMO)

This paper presents two related studies describing the development and validation of the Teacher-Child Rating Scale (T-CRS), a brief objective socioemotional measure. Teachers rated K-6th graders on the T-CRS, and ratings were factor analyzed into three six-item problem and three six-item competence scales. (Author/LMO)

Introduces the practitioner to psychometric issues related to developmental assessment and makes recommendations for the assessment refinements needed in the field. (Author/BH)

Scores of 202 primarily Hispanic community college students were used to determine (1) the correlations of each of five factor subscales of a research form of the dimensions of Self-Concept (DOSC) measure with the Total Score of the Academic Self-Concept Scale and (2) the empirical factor structure of each instrument. (Author/BS)

Reviews and compares six methods used to assess family functioning. Results showed that methods of total family assessment are nearing the formation of a family systems paradigm, although psychometric qualities of the instruments lag behind theoretical development. Recommendations are made for further development of procedures to assess family…