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)

Reports on a study that found an alternative cloze test format both valid and practical when compared to the conventional cloze format. (HOD)

Examined the equivalency of the Spanish translation of the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory to the English version. The results indicated that the translated version was comparable to the English version and that the two forms elicited similar interests. (JAC)

Explored the relationship between age and intelligence test performance across race and evaluated the developmental progression of scores and construct validity of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children in a sample totaling 2,615 children. No significant race or sex differences were found, supporting the validity of the K-ABC. (JAC)

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)

Medical school graduates' ratings on noncognitive aspects of professional behavior are statistically compared with measures of knowledge, data-gathering skills, and clinical judgment. The results are validated by comparison with offers of residency to the students and third-year clinical ratings. (MSE)

Teacher education will probably continue to receive specific attention in the competency testing area. Professional educators need to apply the best knowledge and practice available if testing is to become a valuable and valid part of the teacher certification process. (CJB)

The Standardized Test of Essential Writing Skills (STEWS) has been developed as a valid and reliable means of assessing expository writing skill. Studies concerning the reliability and validity of the STEWS are presented and their implications for use of the STEWS are discussed. (Author/DWH)

Used multiple regression analysis to derive a short form for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised in a sample of 300 children receiving treatment and/or evaluation at a university-affiliated community mental health center. Results yielded several four- and five-subtest predictive equations with demonstrable predictive validity.…

Analyses of test scores found statistically significant differences between subjects hearing "effective" vs. "ineffective" speaker presentations for both the Brown-Carlsen and STEP listening tests. Results suggest that variables such as speaker presentations positively influence listening test score results. (PD)

Administered the Hand Test to kindergarten age children (N=80) and second-grade-age-level children (N=90). Results indicated that many responses considered to be indicators of disturbance or pathology in adults occur normally with children. (LLL)

The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) attempts to improve on the theory and technology of intelligence testing. The criteria used for this evaluation of the K-ABC are adequate theoretical basis; expanded range of abilities measured; incremental as well as convergent and discriminant validity; multiple meaningful scores; and training…

Six methods of measuring factorial similarity were compared with regard to outcome based on two large data sets, one for an intelligence test and the other for a personality test. All indexes yielded comparable results. Comparing factors determined at random, all indexes yielded comparable results leading to a conclusion of dissimilarity.…

Cautions that criterion referenced tests are no more effective at diagnosing comprehension subskills than are traditional instruments, and they may lend false credibility to the subskill approach to comprehension. (AEA)