An experiment with the British 16-plus examinations in French was intended to investigate the principle of an incline of difficulty in language testing and the problems facing an examiner in setting different tests on an incline. The test contained sections on reading comprehension and writing. Results are discussed. (CHK)

At the college level, the obstacles to machine-testing of critical thinking are more pedagogical and practical than theoretical and include creating an operational definition, differentiating critical thinking skills and subskills, and establishing test reliability and validity. (MSE)

Results of using the "Peer Attitudes toward the Handicapped Scale" with Australian intermediate grade children (N=368) indicated its suitability in its present form (including U.S. norms) for sixth grade students, though it is suggested separate norms need to be developed for other grade levels. (Author/DB)

Attempts an empirical integration of the constructs of needs, values, and preferences. Using data from postsecondary students (N=439), found that the Minnesota Importance Questionnaire Work Values Inventory, Values Scale, and Work Aspect Preference Scale all measure highly similar constructs. (Author/ABB)

Investigated the relationships between student locus of control and academic achievement in grades five through eight. The Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale (NSLOCS) was used to measure motivation, and the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) to assess academic achievement. Results indicated moderate inverse relationships between level of…

Evaluates the Computer-Based Assessment Instrument (CRAI) as a test for reading proficiency. Notes strengths of CRAI, including its use as a quick assessment of silent reading comprehension level, and the problems with readability and content specific words lists and the lack of scoring features. (JC)

Test development included designing, screening, and field testing of test items; compilation into an examination administered to a target group; and norm development for score comparison with a national sample. (MSE)

Presents a comparative analysis of the psychometric properties of three group tests of logical thinking used in science education research. Findings dealing with Longeot's Test of Logical Thinking, Lawson's Test of Formal Reasoning, and Tobin and Capie's Test of Logical Thinking demonstrate a lack of concurrent validity. Includes recommendations.…

Reports a study which investigated the cross-cultural validity, reliability, and distinctiveness of the subscale structure of the Test of Science Related Attitudes (TOSRA). Results from tests of American high school students (N=336) indicated that the seven subscales were highly reliable, but that the discriminant validity was low. (ML)

Factor analysis was performed on the Charles F. Kettering (CFK) scale (a measure of school climate). The multivariate analysis of responses by 1,163 students, teachers, and administrators indicated that new subscales should be designed to improve overall scale validity. (TJH)

Chinese engineering students (n=29) scored significantly higher than Chinese English-as-a-second-language students (n=29) on an engineering-English reading test, although 62 percent of the variation in scores was accounted for by general English language proficiency rather than by components specific to engineering English. (Author/CB)

Evaluated the psychometric characteristics of the Children's Beliefs about Parental Divorce Scale with three nonclinic samples. Demonstrated six subscales: Peer Ridicule and Avoidance, Paternal Blame, Fear of Abandonment, Maternal Blame, Hope of Reunification, and Self-Blame. The number of problematic beliefs varied by family structure but not by…

Investigated the validity of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) with a sample of black low socioeconomic status preschool children enrolled in a Head Start program. Used the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale as a criterion. Demonstrated convergent and construct validity, but suggests that the K-ABC is no more culture fair for…

Examines the impact of online systems designed to be searched by end users on the process of database and product evaluation. Two testing methods, beta tests and user surveys, are evaluated, and possible solutions to testing problems are suggested. (CLB)

Describes the construction of a nonreading instrument (Preschool Reading Attitudes Scale) designed to assess attitudes toward reading in young children, aged three through five years. Demonstrates the scale to be valid and reliable with these age groups. (HOD)