An observation code was found to discriminate reliably between correct and incorrect behavior modification skills of 12 parents of developmentally disabled children (two to six years old). Parents were more proficient teachers after a training program focusing on behavior change principles and language acquisition. (CL)

Provides information regarding the production and properties of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) data to facilitate the assessment of their appropriateness for research. Reports on assessments of validity and reliability, a factor analysis of characteristics, and possible sex bias. Cautions about using the DOT to study changes in…

Reliability, factorial complexity, and predictive validity of the Test of Syntactic Abilities Screening Test were determined from the responses of mildly hearing impaired, severely hearing impaired, and profoundly deaf students. Results showed that the test was unifactorial. Use of the total score to discriminate among students is justified.…

Examined one instrument devised to classify respondents for research purposes into high and low marital or dyadic adjustment groups. Data indicated that, while the overall scale performs the task reliably, the majority of its 32 items are unnecessary. Factor analysis revealed that there was one underlying "adjustment" dimension. (Author)

Discusses research in creativity with particular emphasis on the problems encountered in assessing creativity from a life-span developmental framework. Alternative developmental models and measures are discussed as future research recommendations for the assessment of life-span creativity. (Author/RH)

The 10 criticisms of criterion-referenced tests addressed in this paper are: the domains tested; pedagogical influence; difficulty of items; cumbersome reports; reliability; arbitrary criteria; local objectives; labeling; predictive validity; and repeated testing. (SJL)

In the debate concerning psychological testing and reliability/validity issues, one issue which has had implications for the examinee is card or task rejection. Card rejection on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Picture Arrangement subtest attracted considerable attention. Picture Arrangement is not commonly a disturbing task. Assessment…

The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was designed to assess the frequency and intensity of perceived burnout among persons in the helping professions in general. Analyzing emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, and depersonalization (with depersonalization separated into job related and student related factors), this paper gives…

First, third, fifth and eleventh graders were videotaped as they completed the Block Design Subtest of the WISC-R. Neither the order of placement of blocks within each design nor the degree to which children persisted in placing a given block correctly before moving to the next one evidenced developmental differences. (Author/RD)

This study examined the reliability and validity of the Preference Inventory (PI) as a measure of adult creative potential. Capabilities of creatively productive persons include mental examination and manipulation of ideas, curiosity, need to create, and originality. Undergraduates' PI scores were significantly correlated with four other indices…

This study examined whether a synthesis of clinical and statistical data taken from psychoeducational reports completed on 42 boys referred to a child psychiatric outpatient department for school-learning problems would yield discrete clinical categories or clusters of children. Cluster membership and educational placement recommendations were…

Lists six problems related to descriptive data and to factor analysis performed in a previous research study reported in this journal. Includes the authors' response to the suggested weaknesses of their study. (JN)

Compares direct and indirect writing assessment strategies and contrasts them in terms of the relationship each has to specific classroom decision-making situations, the components of writing assessed, practical testing matters, characteristics of test exercises, test scoring procedures, and procedures for determining test quality. (HOD)

Described an assertiveness scale for children developed to assess four dimensions of assertiveness across three categories of interpersonal situations. The scale was administered to elementary and middle school children (N=609) and readministered to students (N=164) to assess test-retest reliability. Test-retest reliability was low while internal…

Tested the Life Satisfaction Index-A for validity and reliability using a sample of 240 Black elderly. The study failed to support the existence of five dimensions that were supposed to form the life satisfaction scale, but the scale was highly reliable in measuring life satisfaction among Black elderly. (Author/JAC)