The use of the standard deviation of item ratings as a criterion of scale anchor selection is criticized. An alternative criterion based on item intercorrelation procedures is suggested and tested. Results indicate that the alternative criterion does not lead to the negative outcomes of the standard deviation criterion. (Author/JKS)

Described is a principal components analysis of Balthazar Scales of Adaptive Behavior II data from eight classrooms for the severely retarded which identified three modal classroom types. (Author/CL)

Employed the Personal Health Survey (PHS) to study patterns of symptomology related to physical and mental health in a population of 730 Ss, which consisted of five groups: felons, hospitalized alcoholics, unmarried mothers, college students and institutionalized schizophrenics. (Editor)

Reports on a series of methodological refinements used in developing a systematic rationale for the construction, standardization and interpretation of the Personal Health Survey (PHS), a 200-item questionnaire designed to screen pathological functioning in the psychophysiological support systems that underlie physical and mental health. The PHS…

Effects of a category system for social organization in the classroom on teachers' abilities to adopt a more flexible role are investigated. (GW)

Described is the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale, a measure for evaluating the infant's motor, emotional, social, and cognitive development by providing typical interactive situations. (SBH)

To determine the value of the Pupil Rating Scale (PRS) in identifying children at risk for learning difficulty, a sample of 60 kindergarten children was studied intensively to determine whether the PRS would correlate as well with achievement measures as reported in H. Myklebust's normative sample. (Author/SBH)

The Cognitive Triad of the Adaptive Behavior Scale (which considers economic activity, language development, and number/time concepts) correctly classified 78 percent of 77 institutionalized adults who had already been classified (by standardized intelligence tests) as profoundly, severely, or moderately mentally retarded. (Author/CB)

Studies of the reliability, normative data, construct validity, and concurrent validity of the Social Perception Behavior Rating Scale used with mildly learning-disabled, behavior-disordered, and nondisabled children indicated adequate reliability, marked differences in scores of handicapped and nonhandicapped children, and a logical pattern of…

Examined the relationship of individual and composite measures of child competence with family background and adult ratings of psychopathology. Children scoring high on a composite competence index were rated by parents and teachers as showing fewer problems. Composite measures related more strongly to parent and teacher ratings than did single…

Describes an intervention program to help abused children learn to inhibit aggressive behavior and increase cooperative behavior. Sixteen physically abused children participated in the program. Behavior ratings were made during the program and in-home follow-ups. Following initial increases in aggressive behaviors, significant increases in…

Responds to Belsky's critique of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale and suggests explanations for the disparity in results when using the Scale as an intervention device with new families. (HOD)

Presents an in-class activity which uses videotaped television shows to teach time sampling, event sampling, and trait rating techniques. Students responded favorably to this activity, and many reported that it increased their understanding of the different observation techniques. (Author/JDH)

Examined the tendancy of non-Indian teachers to rate Amerian Indian early adolescents as behaviorally disordered more often than non-Indian children. Non-Indian teachers (N=28) rated a hypothetical Indian or non-Indian student. No significant cultural bias was found. (JAC)

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…