This paper addresses the predictive value for performance in medical school of undergraduate grades, the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), selectivity of the undergraduate institution, and transcript data. The performance data examined were basic science grades; clinical science grades; scores on National Board of Medical Examiners…

Arguing that reliable and valid dropout rate estimates are prerequisite to establishment of causal factors and intervention programs, this article examines differences in definitions of dropouts, computational methods, and the complexities in defining cohorts, as well as the importance of sample attrition. Several sources of error are discussed.…

A study of the Glendon Examination of Bilingual Competence included a survey of former candidates, students, and faculty regarding perceptions of test content and format and development and piloting of a new test. Issues arising in the research are discussed. The test and grading criteria are appended. (Author/MSE)

Reviews evidence of sex bias in job evaluation judgments and analyzes research methods used to study the issue. Explores the following types of bias: (1) direct; (2) indirect; and (3) sex of rater. Findings indicate evidence of indirect bias, showing that high paying jobs tend to be evaluated higher than those with low pay. (JS)

Describes the development of a job evaluation plan by the University of Minnesota based on employee values of job worth. Items for the point-factor plan were selected by employee committees, grouped into factors, and weighted by means of a general employee survey. Discusses the plan's use in implementing comparable worth. (JS)

In the attempts to improve teaching and learning through the use of psychometrics and its underlying science, conditions have been set inadvertently that are unlikely to encourage and support learning and self-evaluation. (IAH)

Computers are used to manage assessment information for special education students and to administer, score, and interpret tests. Although the content validity of computer-administered assessment instruments may have certain practical limitations, several useful advantages can be gained by using computer-administered tests, including real-time…

Responds to Dunn's paper on Hispanic-Anglo differences in IQ scores. Comments on Dunn's translation of Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised into Castilian Spanish, and concludes this version is inappropriate for mainland Puerto Rican and Mexican-American children due to improper translation and validation methods. Contains 27 references.…

The issue of interpretation of standard test scores of minorities is discussed. The history of the issue is reviewed. The National Academy of Science's decision to reinterpret the scores of minorities is summarized. (YP)

Examines the structure, validity, and reliability of Guglielmino's self-directed learning readiness scale. Reviews related literature and refutes Guglielmino's thesis. Reports data derived from an administration of the scale that reveal problems in wording and show that the scale measures a homogeneous construct not associated with readiness for…

The effectiveness of value-added programs can be enhanced by employing appropriate methods of faculty judgments to support content-related and instruction-related evidence for validity by adapting standard-setting techniques to judge gains observed and by using appropriate caution and research designs when making causal inferences. (Author/MLW)

The study compared results of rating "Draw a Person" drawings of 250 deaf Israeli children aged 7-15 with those of 54 American deaf children of the same ages and 100 hearing Israeli children. Implications of the findings concerning instrument reliability, emotional development in deaf children, and cross-cultural aspects are considered.…

Evaluation of a checklist by teachers to rate 60 secondary level learning-disabled and nondisabled students for mainstream competencies found no overall mean group differences and no inter-rater reliability, though ratings on work habits did predict course grades for all three groups (fully mainstreamed, partially mainstreamed, and nondisabled).…

Aspects of the new Employee Polygraph Protection Act are discussed, including exemptions, prohibited devices, limitations, exceptions, injury and access requirements, reasonable suspicion, drug industry investigations, procedural requirements, disclosure, basis for discharge, enforcement and remedies, and preemption and existing state laws. (MSE)

Explores various issues related to empirical validation of computer documentation. Topics discussed include developing validation test items; selecting test users; costs; benefits of testing for the writer; the role of the writer and editors; conducting the validation test; and writing revision specifications. (LRW)