Examined behavioral consistency pressures of 146 children in preschool through fifth grade. Results indicated that cognitive understanding of traits and intrapersonal preference for consistency moderate immediate effects of the foot-in-the-door procedure. (RJC)

The study evaluated the psychometric properties of reliability and construct validity of the Attitude Toward Mainstreaming Scale (ATMS) in an Australian context. It was concluded that the scale is both reliable and factorially valid in an Australian context. (Author/DB)

Evaluated quasi-experimental simulation technique designed to measure impact of individual differences in managerial styles on executive performance. Tested 20 simulation-based measures for reliability and validity. Data from two samples suggest that this quasi-experimental simulation technology may be useful in assessing managerial styles not…

A study involving 34 Dutch eighth-grade teachers and their classes explored the accuracy, reliability, and predictive validity of a logbook procedure for assessing the opportunity to learn mathematics. Results suggest that the logbook approach is reliable and that the variables measured are good predictors of the learning progress. (SLD)

Describes the development of the Literary Response Questionnaire (LRQ), which provides scales that measure seven different aspects of readers' orientation toward literary texts: Insight, Empathy, Imagery Vividness, Leisure Escape, Concern with Author, Story-Driven Reading, and Rejection of Literary Values. Reviews evidence for the LRQ's…

A comparison is made of the power and actual alpha levels of three tests of homogeneity for independent product-moment correlation coefficients using Monte Carlo methods while selectively studying sample size and varying the number of correlation reliabilities. How robust these are in applied work is discussed. (SLD)

This study, involving 10 children (ages 7-11) attending an English school for children with moderate learning difficulties and their parents, revealed that parents' and teachers' estimates of attainments did not deviate significantly from the scores actually obtained by the children. There was considerable variation between teachers and parents…

Argues that teachers need to become "informed consumers" of standardized tests in order to influence decisions about test use and about ways to help students perform at their best. Six strategies for considering the content of a test form are presented. (LR)

Predictive validities of computer aptitude and computer anxiety were studied using nonprogramming computer performance as the criterion variable for 162 young adults. Effects of computer anxiety on performance were negligible, and computer aptitude yielded uncertain results. The measurement instruments' reliability was also reported. (SLD)

Reliabilities and information functions for percentile ranks and number-right scores were compared using item response theory, modeling standardized achievement tests. Results demonstrate that situations exist in which the percentage of items known by examinees can be accurately estimated, but the percentage of persons falling below a given score…

Measurement fidelity (reliability, factor structure, and validity) of Aschenbach's Youth Self-Report scale was studied with 226 adolescents at a psychiatric hospital. Findings confirm convergent validity and reliability of four of the measure's seven narrowband syndromes, and seven meaningful subdimensions were extracted from the other three…

An example application of portfolio assessment was developed and the model and estimates of reliability derived from the literature were then used to estimate the characteristics of an operational large-scale portfolio assessment program. Costs were estimated to put results in a realistic context. (SLD)

Several extensions to the Angoff method of standard setting are described that can accommodate characteristics of performance-based assessment. A study involving 12 panelists supported the effectiveness of the new approach but suggested that panelists preferred an approach that was at least partially conjunctive. (SLD)

Examines the needs of Internet users, reviews the responses to these needs, and discusses the role information professionals play in using and organizing online information. User needs include: ease of use, compatibility, reliability, integration of Internet software, stability, affordability, centralized information-finding mechanisms, quality…

Eight-item revision of the UCLA Loneliness Scale was administered to 2,614 students, aged 11-14. Loneliness did not differ by age or between Anglo- and Mexican-American students, but was higher for girls than boys in each ethnic group. Principal components factor analysis and correlations with other related measures indicate good reliability and…