The impact of the Subset Selection Technique (SST) for multiple-choice items on certain properties of a test was compared with that of two other methods, the Number Right and the Correction for Guessing Formula. Results indicated that SST outperformed the other two, producing higher reliability and validity without favoring high risk takers.…

Reviews procedures followed in developing a set of science items for Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geology content areas and examines the items' construct validity in relation to a specific technique of evaluation. Analysis supported the items' construct validity and viability for testing certain science skills at the secondary level. (ML)

Three studies evaluating the reliability and validity of the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (OM-EIS) are reported. Two studies analyzed college students' results from the OM-EIS, the Extended Range Vocabulary Test, the Crowne-Marlowe Social Disability Scale and achievement records. Study 3 correlated high school seniors' OM-EIS scores…

Forty-two fourth- and fifth-grade teachers rated their 1,032 students in the five curricular subjects: reading, mathematics, language arts, science, and social science. The teachers' ratings substantially agreed with students' scores on the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills, indicating the concurrent validity of standardized achievement tests.…

Measured high school students' use of Black American English (BAE) via three different data collection techniques: actual conversation, conversation simulations, and self-report questionnaires. Found significant differences in BAE usage according to type of data collection technique used. (PD)

The Multidimensional-Multiattributional Causality Scale and the Mathematics Attribution Scale were administered to 107 gifted high school students. Both scales' assessments of the attribution of school success and failure to effort and ability were significantly correlated. Limited support for their convergent validity was indicated. (Author/GDC)

Tests the validity and reliability of a scale (Mental Development Scales: Birth to Three Years) designed to assess developmental levels of children from birth to three years. (HOD)

An important aspect of Ontario's participation in the Second International Study of Mathematics was a comparative analysis of students' mathematics achievement from 1968 to 1982. Achievement levels remained remarkably constant. The problem of declining achievement in the United States was not apparent in this analysis of Ontario students. (LMO)

Job relevance and adverse impact are major validity concerns relative to credentializing examinations. This article recommends that examination blueprints utilize a competency model based on: (1) job functions assigned; (2) level of expertise expected given the content and resources available; and (3) specific context and situation in which the…

This paper presents two related studies describing the development and validation of the Teacher-Child Rating Scale (T-CRS), a brief objective socioemotional measure. Teachers rated K-6th graders on the T-CRS, and ratings were factor analyzed into three six-item problem and three six-item competence scales. (Author/LMO)

The 12 subtests of the Ball Aptitude Battery (BAB) listed in the administration manual were described. The reviewer believes this aptitude battery, designed for use with high school students and adults in job selection and placement, needs major improvements. It is suggested that the BAB be used solely for research purposes. (DWH)

The study explored the relationship of eye-hand coordination differentiated by three levels and two answer marking formats (test booklet and answer sheet). Simple effects tests indicated significant differences in favor of the booklet format for low and middle range eye-hand groups but not for the high group. (DWH)

In a longitudinal investigation, the subscales of the Dimensions of Self-Concept revealed declining predictive validity coefficients relative to criteria of secondary school grades. However, the Level of Aspiration subscale consistently exhibited significant predictive validities of student success during each of four time segments. (Author/DWH)

This article presents a model that can be used by local school districts for reanalyzing standardized test results to obtain a more valid assessment of local learning objectives can be used to identify strengths/weaknesses of existing programs as well as individual students. (EGS)

Describes several elicitation techniques used for speech act data collection and analysis and discusses their suitability in testing a learner's acquisition of the rules of language use. Argues that the development of testing instruments for communicative competence cannot be divorced from the field of cross-cultural pragmatics. (SED)