Unreliable profiles impose the difficulty that ordinal and interval relations among the individual's scores become uncertain or unstable. A profile reliability coefficient is derived to estimate the relative expected extent of this ordinal and interval "inversion" for any profile of K measures. (Author/DWH)

Rubin and Thayer recently presented equations to implement maximum likelihood estimation in factor analysis via the EM algorithm. It is argued here that the advantages of using the EM algorithm remain to be demonstrated. (Author/JKS)

The authors respond to a criticism of their earlier article concerning the use of the EM algorithm in maximum likelihood factor analysis. Also included are the comments made by the reviewers of this article. (JKS)

Goodness of fit tests for the Rasch model are typically large-sample, global measures. This paper offers suggestions for small-sample exploratory techniques for examining the fit of item data to the Rasch model. (Author/JKS)

A mathematical link between test reliability and test validity is derived, taking into account the correlation between error scores on a test and error scores on a criterion measure. When this correlation is positive, the "paradoxical" nonmonotonic relation between test reliability and test validity occurs universally. (Author/BW)

Although Model A, the only norm-referenced evaluation procedure in the Title I Evaluation and Reporting System, requires no data other than the test scores themselves, it introduces two sources of bias and involved three test administrations. Roberts' two-test procedure offers the advantages of less bias and less testing. (RL)

Limitations and extensions of Feldt's approach to testing the equality of Cronbach's alpha coefficients in independent and matched samples are discussed. In particular, this approach is used to test equality of intraclass correlation coefficients. (Author)

Deciding whether sets of test data are consistent with any of a large class of item response models is considered. The assumption of local independence is weakened to a new condition, local nonnegative dependence (LND). Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for a LND item response model. (Author/JKS)

A chain of lower bound inequalities leading to the greatest lower bound to reliability is established for the internal consistency of a composite of unit-weighted scores (such as a test). Algorithms for obtaining various reliability coefficients are presented. (Author/JKS)

In spite of new methodologies in foreign language instruction, much testing is still of the traditional type. Paper and pencil tests are given, testing in exactly the same way the teachers themselves were tested. This article suggests 25 points for language teachers on all levels. (Author/PJM)

Preliminary evaluation of a testing technique which might meet the need for a standardized, validated, and objective means of psychologically testing people with visual or reading impairments is reported. The test is intended to be administered via an audiocassette, with identical administration and response procedures for totally and partially…

The reliability coefficient is predicted from the test information function (TIF) or two modified TIF formulas and a specific trait distribution. Examples illustrate the variability of the reliability coefficient across different trait distributions, and results are compared with empirical reliability coefficients. (SLD)

Discusses the exact meaning and limitations of commonly used types of standardized test scores: grade equivalent scores; percentile ranks, and standard scores. (SR)

A Bayesian alternative to interpretations based on classical reliability theory is presented. Procedures are detailed for calculation of a posterior score and credible interval with joint consideration of item sample and occasion error. (Author/SLD)

Includes an interview with a noted figure in the field of language assessment. Discusses his work on washback theory as well as his experiences with and views on the challenges and advantages of computer-based and Web-based testing. (Author/VWL)