A Monte Carlo design examined how the effects of guessing and item dependence influence test characteristics and student scores. Although validity for cloze variants was high, multiple-choice cloze had significantly lower reliabilities than did true score equivalents. (Author/PN)

Some little-understood facts about standardized test scores and how they are reported and interpreted are explained. In particular, the practice of score equating ensures that different test forms have comparable scoring. This and other practices are designed to enhance the equity of testing. (MSE)

In a study of the reliability of evaluation of laboratory techniques by recent dental graduates versus faculty, wide variance was found in student evaluations. However, faculty evaluations were consistent with each other only 40 percent of the time. Questions are raised about the general system of preclinical evaluation. (MSE)

Examines Jones's and Nisbett's (1971, 1972) hypothesis that people generally attribute the actions of others to stable trait dispositions but see their own behavior as relatively more influenced by specific environmental circumstances. Discusses methodological problems in studies examining this hypothesis, suggesting ways they might be overcome.…

Underlying concepts and current issues in communicative testing are described, and several promising approaches to developing communicative tests are outlined. It is suggested that appropriate testing is likely to have dramatic effects on the format and content of foreign language curricula and on student motivation because of increased relevance.…

A problem-based, criterion-referenced examination of clinical competence was developed in order to positively influence students' learning in the direction of the faculty's clinical objectives. High satisfaction and high perceived relevance among students accompanied high reliability and validity. (MSE)

A validation study in the development of empirical measures of teacher stress is presented. Role-related, task-based, and environmental stress measures demonstrated internal consistency and provided reliable and valid multivariate assessment of teacher stress. (PN)

This paper assesses the reliabilities of the items and dimensions, determines the extent of agreement among raters, identifies the factor structure, and assesses the influence of sex and age of children on raters' perceptions on a short form of the Teacher Temperament Questionnaire. (Author/PN)

Outlines the benefits associated with true-false and multiple-choice tests and sets forth rules for writing effective items for such tests. (FL)

Describes the development, validity, and reliability (0.91 to 0.94) of a 50-item, Likert-format scale to measure students' attitudes toward science in grades 4 through 12 (N=806). (Author/JN)

Assessed reliability and validity for an instrument designed to assess depressiform cognitions. The results suggest that the scale is promising, however, a strong sex effect was noted in some of the characteristics of attribution. Suggests the need to evaluate sexual-cultural differences in attributional processes associated with depression.…

Advises principals about their responsibilities concerning the educational assessment of handicapped students. Discusses the scope of assessment, test validity and reliability, commonly used tests, assessment issues, and specific actions principals can take. (Author/WD)

Compared alternate forms of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised for (N=72) preschool children. Results indicated differences between Form L and Form M mean scores were nonsignificant for Whites, males, females, and the total group. For Black preschoolers, Form L was apparently more difficult to complete successfully than Form M. (Author)

Factor analyzed the Block Child Rearing Practices Report (CRPR) consisting of 91 socialization-relevant statements. Administered it to parents and undergraduates. Results indicated the modified 40-item Likert format of the CRPR facilitates administration and interpretation of the scale, without impeding reliability, and enhances its usefulness as…

Describes the development of an instrument for assessment of practical nutrition knowledge of high school senior girls. (Author/CS)