A 10 item Attitudes Toward Computers instrument was developed to measure the attitudes of students toward the use of computers. A factorial validity study revealed one identifiable factor dimension entitled General Attitude Toward Computers with an estimated alpha internal consistency reliability of .87. (Author/PN)

Based on the responses of 50 ESL instructors to a composition-scoring exercise, a detailed method of scoring compositions was developed that divides the writing into basic components (structure, content, vocabulary, organization, and mechanics) and provides a scoring mechanism for each component for each of three competency levels. (MSE)

Reports the development of a scale for evaluating family therapist skills. All items discriminated significantly between videotaped segments of effective and ineffective family therapist skills and between experienced and inexperienced family therapists. Interrater reliability and internal consistency of the categories were acceptable. The scale…

Studied instruments which measure well-being, life satisfaction, and morale, for structural stability across age and gender in two samples of adults and older adults. Analysis showed four factors that defined dimensions underlying these measures which were constant across age and gender. (WAS)

This study investigated the effects of specific criteria for marking a test on its reliability and validity. Eight algebra word problems were administered to grade 10 students. The objectivity of scoring criteria improved the reliability of the test, but did not affect its validity. (MNS)

Each of six forms of a 10-item teacher evaluation rating scale, having two to seven response categories per form, was administered to over 100 college students. Means of item responses and item variances increased with the number of response categories. Internal consistency of total scores did not change systematically. (Author/PN)

The Confidence in Interviewing Scale, developed to test medical students' interviewing confidence by asking for students' estimations of their ability to handle challenging situations, was tested at the University of Washington. Both reliability and validity were found, but comparison with an external observer's ratings is advocated. (MSE)

The fact that the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is susceptible to coaching does not mean it is a poor test. The abilities measured by it are acquired, apart from test-wiseness. Even though some uses of the scores in admissions may be discriminatory, the test itself is fair, uniform, and judiciously administered. (MSE)

A test for measuring attitudes toward animal life (Fireman Test) was developed. The test was determined to be reliable, valid, free from social-response biases, easy to administer and score, and potentially useful in ascertaining whether changes in attitudes have occurred as a result of some planned intervention. (Author/JN)

Argues that, in determining if a standardized test task and a classroom performance task are the same, educators should carefully analyze the tasks in terms of the input modality (stimulus) and the output modality (response). (FL)

To study the learning effect on the Group Embedded Figures Test, the relative frequency of success on its 18 tasks must be estimated. This note provides such baseline data, collected by Lusk and Wright and categorized according to Science and Engineering, Business Administration, and Liberal Arts curricula. (Author/CM)

Investigates an objective scoring system in terms of interrater reliabiltiy and test-retest reliability, using drawings from 50 elementary students. Results confirmed the reliability of the scoring system and suggest differences in drawings may be due to a child's mood changes rather than the instability of the instrument. (Author/JAC)

Examined the stability of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities for a sample of 42 English-speaking and 42 Spanish-speaking Mexican-American preschoolers. The subjects were retested after one year. Concluded that the McCarthy is a relatively stable instrument for English-speaking Mexican-American children. (Author)