Two techniques for writing achievement test items to accompany instructional materials were contrasted: (1) generating items from statements of instructional objectives, and (2) generating items from rules for transforming instructional statements (adapted from Bormuth). Items of each type were written by two experienced item writers. Subjects…

A new concept of weakly parallel tests, in contrast to strongly parallel tests in latent trait theory, is proposed. Some criticisms of the fundamental concepts in classical test theory, such as the reliability of a test and the standard error of estimation, are given. (Author)

Conducted four studies to develop Adolescent Perceived Events Scale (APES), measure of major and daily stressful events during adolescence. Describes test construction, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity of APES. Summarizes subsequent research showing APES to be significantly related to behavior problems and psychological…

Linear and nonlinear methods for incorporating score precision information when the score scale is established for educational tests are compared. Examples illustrate the methods, which discourage overinterpretation of small score differences and enhance score interpretability by equalizing error variance along the score scale. Measurement error…

The process by which a school might use a parameter estimation procedure (such as LOGIST) based on item response theory (IRT) to build a "customized test" from an "on shelf" standardized achievement test was examined. The Iowa Tests of Educational Development was used. Results indicate that estimates from standardized versus…

The development and use of a questionnaire assessing interpersonal attitudes relevant to pediatric practice are described. The Behavioral Pediatrics Questionnaire measures a wide array of beliefs ranging from attitudes toward physical disabilities to parenting and empathy. (TJH)

The author discusses writing items for a multiple-choice test. Topics include (1) formatting, (2) central theme development, (3) stem revision, (4) distractors, and (5) test validity and reliability. (CH)

Conducted a series of studies (N=627) to develop and validate the Supervisory Styles Inventory (SSI), with parallel versions for supervisors and trainees. Four separate analyses consistently revealed three factors among the perceptions of heterogeneous samples of trainees and experienced supervisors, which suggests that supervisory style is…

Factor analysis of the Gifted Student Screening Scale (GSSS) indicated that it is appropriate for use with both gifted and nongifted students. Cross-validation using discriminant analysis showed that the GSSS stably differentiated gifted and nongifted students. Cut-scores for identifying students for further testing for gifted programs were…

Developed a measure of burnout for college students and created a profile of burned-out students based on "level of functioning" variables. Students (N=120) completed a series of tests. Results showed burnout to be related to measures of memory, learning style, self-esteem, vocational self-concept, and sensation seeking. (BH)

The axioms of a three-set Guttman simplex model are presented and the effects of relaxing the axioms for one of the three sets are examined. This model can be used to define longitudinal developmental scales. (NSF)

Discusses two studies that explore the possibilities of adopting the C-Test (which involves the deletion of the second half of every other word in the text, leaving the first and last sentence intact) for testing Hebrew. Suggests the test be used with the cloze test for assessing similar things. (SED)

This study analyzed the results of applying two different methods of likert-scale construction (single-column and discrepancy-column formats). The findings indicated that the discrepancy format provides stronger discrimination for purposes of measuring need. (Author/BW)

A widely used preschool screening test, DIAL (Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning) was revised and restandardized on a national sample of 2,447 children. The rationale for the test construction and test standardization are discussed and the establishment of norms in the form of cut-off points are described. (Author/CL)

Some problems associated with the criteria of reproducibility and scalability as they are used in Guttman scalogram analysis to evaluate cumulative, nonparametric scales of dichotomous items are discussed. A computer program is presented which analyzes response patterns elicited by dichotomous scales designed to be cumulative. (Author/DWH)