The Miller Assessment for Preschoolers, intended for children ages 2-5, is designed as both a screening and a diagnostic assessment, measuring neuromaturational variables, coordination, language, memory, problem solving, and visual perception. This review examines test administration, summation of data, standardization, reliability, and validity,…

The reliability and validity of E. D. Hirsch's (1988) Cultural Literacy Test (CLT) was studied with 150 first-year college students at the University of St. Thomas in Houston (Texas). The test appears reliable, with a split-half reliability estimate of 0.93, and the cultural literacy construct and the CLT are valid. (SLD)

This article concludes that the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fourth Edition is poorly suited for assessment of children less than five years old with possible mild mental retardation and for persons of any age with possible severe mental retardation. The continued use of Form L-M is recommended for these populations. (Author/DB)

Common approaches to examining the relationship between multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) data and variables outside the MTMM data are compared: averaging various means of each trait and estimating LISREL computer program models, and estimating only relationships between MTMM traits and the outside variables. Problems of correlational bias are…

Describes a study refining the Mass Communication Writing Apprehension Measure (MCWAM)--a test intended to identify dysfunctional writing attitudes and aid in advising students. Replicates multidimensionality and individual-subject differences. Extends earlier results by showing that MCWAM discriminates between mass communication and non-mass…

This assessment of the usefulness of the "Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Revised" and the "Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition" for gifted children found that both are technically superior instruments with sensitive items, exceptional standardization, strong construct validity, and…

Summarizes two studies conducted for the development and validation of a Spanish version of the Expectations about Counseling (EAC) questionnaire. Administered English and Spanish versions to bilingual university students and bilingual nonstudents. Results suggest that the Spanish version of the EAC is a reliable and valid translation for students…

Describes the development of a placement test specifically designed for students entering Pembroke State University. Includes question construction and suitable test standards in discussing the features of a good placement test. Concludes that the test provides a reliable measure of students potential success. (MDH)

One-third to one-half of all candidates for dental licensure in 35 states fail part of their initial examination, but most pass the second with little or no attempt at knowledge or clinical skills improvement. These data highlight discussion of issues in dental licensure, including the validity of clinical skills testing. (MSE)

Comments on Walker's article in this issue. Argues that Walker's study demonstrates the reliability of the Gesell Developmental Assessment (GDA) but leaves unresolved several key questions about the GDA's validity. (GLR)

Reports results of a study of the musical timbre preferences of fifth grade students and of the effectiveness of the Instrument Timbre Preference Test. Concludes that results support the test's practical validity, particularly in terms of longitudinal prediction. Suggests that timbre preference investigations could affect aspects of music…

Using hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis to analyze multitrait-multimethod data, the validity of the Satisfaction with My Supervisor Scale (SWMSS) was evaluated by comparing the SWMSS to commitments to the organization, department, and occupation for 100 professional employees of a multinational software firm. The validity of the SWMSS was…

This review of the Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary Students (SAGES) and the Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary Students-Primary (SAGES-P) looks at test content, utility, and technical considerations. The tests are commended for their provision of gifted norms. Some reservations about the tests' validity and reliability data are…

Young children (n=117) were administered the What If Situations Test (WIST) using vignettes concerning inappropriate and appropriate touching. Analysis confirmed that the WIST is composed of six separate skill components: recognizing inappropriate touch, saying no to the perpetrator, leaving the situation, telling a trusted adult, accurately…

Validity studies conducted with the Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale: Fourth Edition (SB:FE) are reviewed. Results support its validity as a measure of general mental ability and that it can distinguish between groups of youngsters with differing intellectual abilities. Recommendations are made for use of the SB:FE. (SLD)