Achievement test reliability as a function of ability was determined for multiple sections of a large university French class (n=193). A 5-option multiple-choice examination was constructed, least attractive distractors were eliminated based on the instructor's judgment, and the resulting three forms of the examination (i.e. 3-, 4-, or 5-choice…

The well-meaning liberal male (WMLM) is a man who talks a liberal stereotype but behaves inconsistently with his professed beliefs. Using Ajzen and Fishbein's model of behavioral prediction based on attitudinal assessment, males identified as WMLM's, sincere liberals, and traditionalists from the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) were compared.…

A study of reading specialists conducted in 1977 revealed that their diagnostic reliability was very low. Mean diagnostic agreement between two clinicians on statements seen as characterizing a case was effectively zero. Mean agreement for one clinician's diagnostic statements on a case and its replicate over time was less than 0.23. In other…

The purpose of this study was to validate the Prescriptive Instructional Program for Educational Readiness (PIPER) for utilization as a criterion referenced test (CRT) among learning disabled children. The program consisted of behavioral objectives and diagnostic and/or mastery tasks and activities for each objective in the area of gross motor…

This volume discusses the conceptualization and measurement of the health status of children (0 to 13 years of age) in terms of physical, mental, and social health and general health perceptions. The discussion is based on Health Insurance Study (HIS) questionnaire data collected from a sample of 8000 people (enrolled in one of the HIS insurance…

Diagnostic tests for nine different letter-sound patterns were developed for the PLATO Computer Assisted Instruction system and were administered to 122 first, second, and third graders. Results for four of the patterns showed low test reliabilities and no monotonic increase for the percentage correct with increasing grade level. The remaining…

A study dealt with the use of the Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ) within a job component validity framework as the basis for estimating aptitude requirements of jobs represented by scores on commercially available tests as contrasted with scores on General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) tests. Procedures generally consisted of the use of job…

There are two modes for testing writing: atomistic and holistic. Atomistic tests depend on isolating a form, emphasizing the recognition of the form rather than the creation of it. Holistic tests require the generation of writing, so that the forms are seen in a particular context. The atomistic tests have great danger of leading to false…

This study was designed to explore the practicality, flexibility, reliability, and sensitivity of the Criterion Group Method of measuring the effectiveness and efficiency of indexing, a method using a criterion group to set the standard for "ideal" indexing. These major variables were examined: (1) size of document sample, (2) size of…

Data from over 1,200 correlations reported in 38 studies concerning validity of aptitude and achievement predictors of success in high school vocational programs are summarized. Predictors investigated were (1) verbal intelligence, (2) nonverbal intelligence and abstract reasoning, (3) arithmetic reasoning, (4) spatial aptitude, (5) mechanical…

Two types of diagnostic reading tests are described--tests of phonics skills and tests of work-study or critical reading ability. The following criteria for evaluating these tests are suggested: (1) an analysis of the methods used in measuring the component skills and the validity of subscores in designating areas for remedial instruction (the…

General information about the cloze technique and summaries of experiments with adults and children in which it was used are presented. Results indicated that the most valid and reliable cloze test for measuring passage difficulty is one in which (1) an every nth mechanical mutilation system is used, (2) not more than 20 words in every 100 are…

The Privacy Act of 1974 places restrictions on the Federal, state and local agencies' use of the Social Security account number as an identifier. For some agencies, compliance will involve changes in implementation of retrieval algorithms. This report describes methodology applicable to these changes in the more general context of the problem of…

This study investigates the reliability and construct validity of a group administered test of Piaget's formal operations stage. A related problem involving a learning effect associated with Piaget's clinical methods is also investigated. The Piagetian Logical Operations Test (PLOT), a group-administered instrument, was developed and field-tested.…

The primary purpose of this research is to determine if there exists covert confounding in student perceptionnaires which significantly affect instructors ratings. Eight calculus classes were randomly selected. Each student completed a Texas A & M University (TAMU) student perceptionnaire the first day of class, envisioning having completed the…