The Six-Factor Self-Concept Scale was developed as a multidimensional measure of adult self-concept to be applicable across life settings and activities. Confirmatory factor analysis reveals a reasonably good fit for data from a sample of 365 noncollege adults. High factor congruence is found between gender and age groups. (SLD)

Two key assumptions of conventional test design--the compartmentalization of knowledge and the decontextualization of knowing--are false. Because competent performance requires both context and judgment, it is senseless to test for mastery as an unvarying response to unambiguous stimuli. Test-makers must link their tests to the tasks, contexts,…

It is proposed that, despite the fact that no large body of data from the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is available, predictive validity of National Board of Medical Examiners test scores supports use of USMLE scores for screening potential new medical residents. (Author/MSE)

Compares the reliability and validity of the 10 subtests of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) obtained from 99 developmental college students with norming values obtained in an earlier study. Indicates that 9 out of 10 subtest reliability coefficients approached but did not equal the earlier study. (HB)

Criteria for making decisions about eligibility and instruction assessment procedures are discussed. Key criteria for consideration include accuracy, efficiency, reliability and validity of eligibility criteria and methods. Factors in assessment strategies for instructional decisions include selection of general teaching methods, learning progress…

This study explored whether standard administration and scoring of conventional articulation tests accurately identified 20 children (ages 5-9) as phonologically disordered and whether test data established severity levels and programing needs. Tests correctly identified the phonological disorders but failed to reliably differentiate severity…

The application of a newly developed instrument for the assessment of patient function in rehabilitation is discussed. The 18-item Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was used to rate 187 patients requiring inpatient rehabilitation. Practical uses of the FIM are discussed in view of its satisfactory reliability and validity. (SLD)

Development of the Student Product Assessment Form to evaluate formally the products of students in gifted and talented education programs is described. Results from content validation procedures, reliability tests, scoring, and interrater agreement indicate that the assessment tool is both reliable and valid. (Author/JDD)

This study evaluated the Clarke modification of the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress with parents (n=367) of autistic, mentally retarded, learning-disabled, and asymptomatic children. Good internal consistency, split-half reliability, and coefficient of stability were obtained as well as acceptable construct and concurrent validities.…

Four issues concerning aspects of the validity of the Attitude/Motivation Test Battery are examined: (1) whether the subtests assess the attributes claimed; (2) the relationship of the subtests to higher order constructs; (3) whether the strategy for measuring affective variables influences correlations with achievement measures; and (4)…

Discusses gender differences apparent in British public examination entry patterns and outcomes. Questions whether examinations should be designed for equal outcomes and the assumption that assessment techniques may differentially affect performances of males and females. Argues that because other factors such as different experiences and…

Describes a nontraditional technique for identifying gifted African American children. Defining giftedness from an African culture-centered perspective is discussed. The Gifted Children Locator for Parents and a version for teachers are presented as behavioral-observational interview rating scales. Studies with 64 and 284 children support validity…

Eight young children with prelingual deafness were tested with the Phonetic Level Evaluation (PLE) before receiving a cochlear implant and four times afterward. Correlations between the PLE and spontaneous speech measures were weak, suggesting that performance on the PLE has low predictive value for vowel and diphthong production during…

Data from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R), grade point average (GPA) after 2 semesters of full-time enrollment, and selected student characteristics were compared for 49 learning-disabled college students. WAIS-R results were not generally predictive of academic success, although Comprehension and Similarities subtests…

Presents three studies on development of Scientist-Practitioner Inventory (SPI) designed to measure career specialty interests of psychology students. Reports factorial validity of scales, test-retest reliability, freedom from response-set biases, and construct validity; cross-validation evidence of second-order factor structure, internal…