Bender Gestalt Test data from 60 severely emotionally handicapped and 60 normal children were computer digitized and scored traditionally. Reliability results from comparison of analysis techniques favored computer approach; criterion-related validity was unsuccessful for both scoring methods; and concurrent validity results indicated limited…

Concludes that the lack of normative data, the suggestion that even one failure on the test (with approximately 111 items) makes a child suspect for "at risk" labelling, along with the brevity of directions and interpretation of data require that the test be used with great caution. (FL)

Information is presented on the psychometric characteristics of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, a measure of psychotropic drug effects. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the checklist appeared very good. Interrater reliability was generally in the moderate range. In general, validity was established for most Aberrant Behavior…

Investigated the effect on student performance of changes in question structure and sequence on a GCE 0-level multiple-choice chemistry test. One finding noted is that there was virtually no change in test reliability on reducing the number of options (from five to per test item). (JN)

The binomial error model includes form-to-form difficulty differences as error variance and leads to Ruder-Richardson formula 21 as an estimate of reliability. If the form-to-form component is removed from the estimate of error variance, the binomial model leads to KR 20 as the reliability estimate. (Author/BW)

This study examined the test-retest reliability and criterion validity of basal mastery tests of three commercial reading series. Results indicated that reliability and validity of the test varied among and within instruments. Implications for developing and using basal mastery tests are discussed. (Author/MT)

A measure of specialty indecision was administered to 567 medical students along with measures of vocational development and exploratory behavior. Initial evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Specialty Indecision Scale indicate that it is internally consistent, relates more to specialty choice than to career choice, and inversely…

Examines the interclass and intraclass reliability of three published informal reading inventories and their alternate forms and concludes that though acceptable, the reliabilities of the inventories suggest the need for cautious interpretation. (HOD)

Disguising scale purpose by using an innocuous skill title and filler items had no effect on the reliability and validity of Rotter's Interpersonal Trust Scale. (Author)

Offers a case study of how one teacher used readability formulas to select the most appropriate materials for her students. Presents 10 suggestions that the teacher followed to avoid being tyrannized by the formulas. (FL)

Offers personal reflections on the testing of writing, concluding that teachers make wide and effective use of a variety of test types. (FL)

The Mathematics Attribution Scale-Algebra (MAS) was designed to assess attributions to ability, effort, task, and environment for success or failure in algebra. The study examined the reliability and validity of the MAS with high ability high school students. Results present a complicated picture of the psychometric properties of the MAS. (Author)

Three numerical coefficients for analyzing the validity and reliability of ratings are described. Each coefficient is computed as the ratio of an obtained to a maximum sum of differences in ratings. The coefficients are also applicable to the item analysis, agreement analysis, and cluster or factor analysis of rating-scale data. (Author/BW)

Presents data from studies designed to determine the psychometric properties of the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Subjects included 294 school children and 269 children who were psychiatric inpatients. Results showed the CDI can distinguish children with emotional distress from normal school children. (BH)

Discusses the uses and limitations of a test designed to identify that reading disabled subgroup whose principal deficit is in the ability to deal with visual stimuli holistically. (AEA)