This study established content validity and reliability for the Infant Behavioral Summarized Evaluation, a rating scale for young children with autism. Analysis of videotapes for 89 children (ages 6-48 months) revealed a significant group of 19 items, including characteristic early autistic behaviors and some less commonly described (such as…

Bayley's major contributions to developmental psychology are reviewed. These include her concern with measurement and methodology and her early anticipation of such topics as behavior genetics. Her work in such areas as androgyny and body build, motor and mental development, and maternal and child behaviors is summarized. (LB)

Implications of ignoring correlated error on parameter estimates in some simple structural equation models are examined. It is shown analytically and empirically through simulation that ignoring positive between-construct correlated error overestimates the structural parameter linking the two constructs. Effects become more pronounced with…

This study, involving 40 normal-hearing 6 year olds, substantiates the form equivalence of the Selective Auditory Attention Test. Analysis shows equal mean difficulty and significant correlations between lists in quiet and between lists presented with competing speech. (Author/JDD)

Derivations of several item selection algorithms for use in fitting test items to target information functions (IFs) are described. These algorithms, which use an average growth approximation of target IFs, were tested by generating six test forms and were found to provide reliable fit. (SLD)

Developed and validated Role Conflict and Role Ambiguity Inventory with trainees and supervisors in practicum, internship, and postinternship settings. Role difficulties were predictive of more work-related anxiety, general work dissatisfaction, and dissatisfaction with supervision. Beginning trainees reported more role ambiguity than experienced…

Rater errors (rater severity, halo effect, central tendency, and restriction of range) are described, and criteria are presented for evaluating rating quality based on a many-faceted Rasch (FACETS) model. Ratings of 264 compositions from the Eighth Grade Writing Test in Georgia by 15 raters illustrate the discussion. (SLD)

Analysis of the internal medicine clinical rotations of 43 University of Michigan medical students revealed that students saw many kinds of medical problems but few instances of each and that there were wide gaps in exposure to some typical ambulatory care problems. Student skill gains did not correlate with problem types encountered. (MSE)

In a survey, 1,851 registered nurses evaluated 232 internists' humanistic qualities, communication skills, and selected aspects of their clinical skills. Their ratings corresponded moderately with peer physician evaluations and had a common structure but were lower for several humanistic qualities. A reliable assessment required 11-15 nurses'…

Discusses revision of Supervisor Emphasis Rating Form (SERF) into ipsative instrument and suggests future research that could profitably be done with new instrument. Explains rationale for choosing ipsative format and presents findings of study conducted to establish instrument reliability. SERF-Revised is appended. (Author/NB)

Explores the effects of task characteristics and structural characteristics on aspects of information processing based on a survey of employees in the Australian telecommunications industry. Relevant research is reviewed; the analysis of results is explained; and implications for organizations are suggested. (Contains 42 references.) (LRW)

Describes the of attribute sampling to estimate characteristics of library collections and operations. The nature of statistical sampling and making a statistical inference are covered, and examples from library situations are given. Tables of determination of sample size and evaluation of results are included. (Contains six references.) (EAM)

Compares the reliability and validity of the 10 subtests of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) obtained from 99 developmental college students with norming values obtained in an earlier study. Indicates that 9 out of 10 subtest reliability coefficients approached but did not equal the earlier study. (HB)

Describes a study of undergraduate students in Wales that was conducted to investigate the relationship between computer attitudes and gender stereotyping of computer use. Use and reliability of the Computer Attitude Scale are discussed, and computer anxiety as a result of stereotyping is considered. (Contains 66 references.) (LRW)

This article discusses use of child interview data to decide whether or not a child has been sexually abused. It examines the role of child interview findings from a historical perspective, discusses the challenge of researching criteria indicative of a true allegation, reviews existing studies of child interview data, draws conclusions, and…