Three methods for estimating reliability are studied within the context of nonparametric item response theory. Two were proposed originally by Mokken and a third is developed in this paper. Using a Monte Carlo strategy, these three estimation methods are compared with four "classical" lower bounds to reliability. (Author/JAZ)

Describes the process used to develop two examinations, an achievement test of computer literacy and a computer anxiety index. Highlights include a definition of computer literacy, determination of the validity and reliability of the tests, and a study to evaluate the final versions of the tests. (Author/LRW)

The Self-Report Depression Questionnaire (SRDQ), a measure of depressive symptomatology in persons with mental retardation, was administered to 89 mentally retarded adults living in community-based settings. The SRDQ demonstrated high internal consistency reliability, as well as moderate stability over an 11-week period. Content validity and…

Reliability and validity of "Degrees of Reading Power" test and "Iowa Tests of Basic Skills" reading comprehension and vocabulary tests were compared. Test scores, grades, and assigned reading levels of 191 fifth and sixth graders and 186 sixth and seventh graders in an eastern Iowa school district were used. Reliability and…

Argues that the tests used to measure reading achievement do not reflect recent advances in the understanding of the reading process, and that effective instruction best can be fostered by resolving the discrepancy between what is known and what is measured. (FL)

Describes the properties of the Study Behaviors Inventory, a multiple-response instrument designed to assess college students' study behaviors. Reviews the findings of a validation study, considering reliability and psychometric test properties. Discusses the difference between study skills and behaviors and the implications of the test for…

A study of three different applications of cloze procedure to test reading comprehension in college students of German as a second language suggests that the procedure may not yield a valid or reliable assessment of global comprehension in second-language learning. (Author/MSE)

Student perceptions of teaching clarity of vocational agriculture teachers were measured by a 21-item instrument administered to 878 high school students. The face validity and reliability of the instrument were established using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and analysis of variance. (SK)

The utility of the Temperament Assessment Battery--Teacher Form (TAB) in predicting academic achievement over intervals of one to four years was studied using 117 kindergartners, 22 preschoolers, and 104 first graders. Results of the studies, each of which used data from a different standardized test to assess the validity of the TAB, support the…

Description of study to determine the impact of management training on student performance focuses on the need for proper evaluation. Pre- and posttraining evaluative tools for rating managers are described, differences in ratings are analyzed, and implications for evaluating management training on interpersonal skills are discussed. (LRW)

Administered the Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons (ATDP) scale to rehabilitation counseling graduate students (N=33) with instructions either to answer honestly or to fake a favorable attitude. Found scores significantly elevated under the faking condition. (Author/ABB)

To improve the testing of students' skills in performing laboratory experiments, 92 Israeli high school physics teachers participated in the development of a list of weighted laboratory skills. Sensory-motor coordination was found to be a significant measured factor. Factors affecting reliability were also noted. (GDC)

Reports preliminary findings of a study which used a modified Admissible Probability Measurement (APM) test scoring system in the design of computer based instructional management systems. The use of APM for curriculum analysis is discussed, as well as its value in enhancing individualized learning. (Author/LRW)

Three frequently used response formats are compared via analysis of covariance structures. The cumulative results based on four data sets provided evidence inconsistent with previous research suggesting that these formats are interchangeable. The semantic-differential format is most preferred while in most cases the Stapel format is least…

Describes the technical methodological procedures for the construction of reliable and valid scales to measure constructs relevant to research on counseling process and outcomes. Working with a multivariate model of the counseling process, three studies are reported which rely on the use of rating scales. (KS)