A conceptual framework is provided for thinking about measurement invariance (or bias), and conditions are demonstrated under which invariance can occur. Tools are suggested for addressing such issues as fairness in employment testing, salary equity, and cross-sectional developmental change. Strict factorial invariance is required for…

This study assessed teachers' beliefs about the effectiveness of various instructional media across a diverse set of learning situations. Subjects were 87 preservice teachers at a major northeastern university. A confirmatory factor analysis supported two latent constructs representing beliefs about traditional and technology-based instructional…

Four studies examined reading disabilities in elementary school children from the perspective of componential skills of reading. A principal-components analysis of the performance of 139 children on reading-related tasks yielded two factors: decoding and comprehension. Factor analyses indicated that orthographic skills and processing speed could…

Examined the factorial validity of scores on the Quick Discrimination Index (QDI) (J. Ponterrotto and others, 1995), a measure of racial attitudes, with 299 college staff and students, 532 college staff and students, and 118 dental students from three geographic areas of the United States. The QDI three-factor model was relatively stable across…

Reviews research focusing on problem-solving deficits and their relationship to suicidal behavior and considers some of the methodological problems that arise. Discusses findings in terms of active versus passive problem solving, state or trait factors, and the psychological processes underlying problem solving. (Author/JDM)

Studied beliefs about language learning of Japanese university learners of English. Sought to validate a questionnaire developed for the Japanese context on a variety of beliefs; investigate the value of interview data to complement and explain questionnaire data; and describe beliefs about language learning and determine how those beliefs are…

Preferences for competitive and cooperative learning were explored in 176 gifted students (ages 9-17). A factor analysis partitioned competitive items into a desire to outperform others and as an energizing factor for learning. Different motivational correlates of cooperative/competitive factors also suggested the validly of a differentiated…

Discusses the ongoing debate in the field of language assessment concerning the relative strengths of analytic versus holistic composition rating scales. Uses multiple regression analysis and exploratory factor analysis to evaluate both methods, and finds that because different rating scales measure different constructs, they cause the meaning of…

Explores children's play as social behavior in relation to cognitive style and identifies the social factors underlying both young children's play and cognitive style. Indicates that field-dependent children participated more in social play activities, while field-independent children engaged in more nonsocial play activities. Discusses the…

Describes a study involving 1,343 community college students, which examined the relationships between the Cultural Literacy Test (CLT), developed by E.D. Hirsch, and several academic factors: grade point average and first-semester grades in remedial and regular English, history, and government courses. Emphasizes the clinical usefulness of the…

The Quality of Life Index was completed by 120 residential staff for 60 adults with severe to profound mental retardation residing in group homes. Measurement integrity was analyzed through use of principal components analysis, confirmatory rotation of components, and Cronbach alphas. Results are compared with results obtained from a more…

Describes two studies conducted at Ball State University (Indiana) that identified major dimensions of distance learner satisfaction with interactive, televised courses. The use of the Telecourse Evaluation Questionnaire and factor analysis are explained, and implications of the dimensions identified for administrators and researchers are…

It is argued that the statements and accusations made by Stephen Jay Gould about the use of factor analysis are incorrect and unjustified and that tests properly designed for the purpose can adequately measure a "general" or "g" factor of intelligence, particularly in view of the developments in testing since "The…

Draws on information collected from 877 subjects in Hong Kong using structured questionnaires to highlight the importance of parental involvement in the child's prospects of returning home from residential care. Challenges decisions in discharge planning that do not take into account an overall view of the child's needs. (MOK)

Reports a two-part investigation of qualitative differences in reading/thinking found among college students. Presents a factor analysis of the inventory responses of 91 participants that yielded four relatively distinct strands, with surprisingly high weightings on self-doubt about basic skill competencies, and on what appear to be gender-schema…