A good criterion-referenced test item is defined as the one which allows the individual to answer correctly if he masters the criterion behavior represented by the item and answer incorrectly if he actually does not master it. Therefore, a good discriminating item for criterion-referenced tests is the one which has a larger proportion of correct…

A new test for auditory perception (Auditory Analysis Test) was given to 284 kindergarten through grade 6 children. The instrument, consisting of 40 items, asks the testee to repeat a spoken word, then to repeat it again without certain specified phonemic elements--such as a beginning, ending or medially-positioned sound. Seven categories of item…

The effectiveness of two techniques of teaching freshman composition is assessed. One technique is the use of extensive written comments on the cover sheet and pages of a theme to inform the writer of his strengths and weaknesses. The other is the use of one class period per theme for the discussion of two or three of the themes written for that…

A variety of path models involving unmeasured variables are formulated in terms of Joreskog's general model for the analysis of covariance structures. (Author)

Because previous reports have suggested that the lowered validity of tests scored with empirical option weights might be explained by a capitalization of the keying procedures on omitting tendencies, a procedure was devised to key options empirically with a "correction-for-guessing" constraint. Use of the new procedure with Graduate…

Factor loadings, used directly or as the basis of binary values, are not appropriate as weights to produce component scores from a rotated solution. A series of examples showing the results of an incorrect measurement of components is given. Several correlation matrices were taken from books on factor analysis and multivariate analysis. Each…

Three techniques for assessing the adequacy of correlation matrices for factor analysis were applied to four examples from the literature. The methods compared were: (1) inspection of the off diagonal elements of the anti-image covariance matrix S(to the 2nd) R(to the -1) and S(to the 2nd); (2) the Measure of Sampling Adequacy (M.S.A.), and (3)…

In order to evaluate the possibility that open education represents a revival of the progressive education movement, data were gathered on the attitude of experienced teachers toward open, progressive, and traditional educational practices. An attitude scale composed of 70 items was administered to a sample of 64 program assistants in the Tucson…

Simple linear correlations, partial correlations, and moderator variable techniques were utilized to investigate the effects of school district size on school district level expenditure and composite achievement. Expenditure data were assembled on more than 500 Michigan districts and achievement data collected on over 300,000 pupils at the fourth…

The jackknife is a general inferential technique intended to ameliorate the problems associated with inadequate sampling theory. The research reported herein is directed at investigating the utility of the jackknife for establishing confidence intervals on and testing hypotheses about the disattenuated correlation coefficient for small samples. A…

The purpose of this study was to determine empirically the individual components of critical reading tests and subtests, enabling inferences to be made about the definitions of critical reading and critical thinking and about the relationship between them. The subjects were 50 Hillsborough County, Florida, fifth graders, most of whom were white…

Cognitive style research is hindered by a variety of poorly described measures and style classifications and the use of small samples. This study describes and compares three measures of three postulated dimensions of cognitive style: impulsivity/reflectivity; internal/external locus of control; and field dependence/field independence to determine…

Reliability and validity data are presented for three orthogonal measures of temperament: trait-pleasure, trait-arousal, and trait-dominance. Reliability coefficients for the three scales were .91, .60, and .84, respectively. Intercorrelations among the three scales were insignificant and low. (Author/JKS)

Motivating factors for participation in adult education were analyzed with a short form of the Education Participation Scale, using data from a population of older adults enrolled in adult education programs in Vancouver, British Columbia. It appears that this scale may be useful in planning programs for older adults. (MF)

Three fear of success measures correlated positively with the Alpert Haber Debilitating Anxiety Scale. Correlations between the Pappo Fear of Success Questionnaire (FOS) and the Zuckerman and Allison Fear of Success Scale (FOSS) were significant and positive. The Horner Scoring System was not significantly correlated with the FOS or FOSS. (EVH)