The author discusses the use of hierarchical tests with learning disabled (LD) children and presents four examples to explain basic characteristics of this type of test. It is explained that a hierarchical measurement provides two associated scores - a composite score and an error of prediction score. The examples are used to portray the use of a…

Parameter estimation for Keats generalization of the Rasch model that takes account of guessing behavior is investigated. It is shown that no minimal sufficient statistics for the ability parameters independent of the difficulty parameters exist. (Author/JKS)

The best strategy for personality scale construction may be a utilitarian concept rather than a psychometric one. Some specific suggestions are given. (Author/JKS)

Described are the development and concurrent validation of a group-administered measure of field dependence for children based on scores of 34 girls and 39 boys in the fourth-grade, and 35 girls and 40 boys in the fifth-grade. (Author)

Demonstrates the complexities and processes involved in constructing a screening test for posttraumatic stress disorder. Discusses item development, field testing, and preliminary results from administration of the Stress Event Test. Concludes that useful instruments can be designed out of one's experience as a practitioner. (Author/NB)

A questionnaire to measure the activity level of people with visual handicaps was developed which measured "independence" and "difficulty" in performing various activities, "felt loss" in not performing the activities, and "motivation to learn" the activities. (Author/CL)

Newborn infants showing anthropometric signs of atypical patterns of fetal growth were compared with infants of appropriate growth on the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale and on recently developed supplementary items. The sample consisted of lower-socioeconomic-status families in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and included teenage and older mothers.…

Performed confirmatory factor analysis on data collected from 244 undergraduates to develop a 38-item short form of the University Residence Environment Scale. (Author)

Using a sample of 189 parents whose children were disabled or developing normally, the author shortened the 66-item short form of the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress to a 48-item version. Factor and item analyses revealed that the adpated QRS-SF is comprised of 7 factors, with each evidencing acceptable reliability coefficients. (Author/CL)

Constructing scales on the basis of components analysis by assigning weights 1 to variables with high positive loadings on the components and -1 to variables with high negative loadings was compared with other strategies of scale construction, which assign weights 1 or -1 to variables with high weights for the components. (Author/BW)

Demonstrated the reliability of the Body Sensations Questionnaire and the Agorophobic Cognitions Questionnaire on two clinical samples (N=175). The instruments fared well on tests of discriminant and construct validity. Concluded that these self-report inventories are useful, inexpensive, and easily scored measures for clinical and research…

This paper discusses optimal test construction, which deals with the selection of items from a pool to construct a test that performs optimally with respect to the objective of the test and simultaneously meets all test specifications. Optimal test construction problems can be formulated as mathematical decision models. Algorithms and heuristics…

The Rasch measurement model improves on traditional test construction by creating tests in which the person's ability is independent of the sample of items used and the norm group used to calibrate the test. This paper reviews the Rasch model by describing properties of the item characteristic curve (ICC) and discussing the utility of having…

Presented is an integer-programming approach to item pool design that can be used to calculate an optimal blueprint for an item pool to support an existing testing program. The results are optimal in the sense that they minimize the efforts involved in actually producing the items as revealed by current item writing patterns. Also presented is an…