For each of two revised forms of the Dimensions of Self-Concept measure (intermediate and secondary forms), statistical information is presented concerning the intercorrelations of each of five factor scales, the reliability and standard error of measurement of each scale, and the results of item analyses. (Author/JKS)

The decline in test scores is demonstrated to be a result of changing philosophical attitudes toward tests and learning. It is suggested that traditional standardized tests may no longer be appropriate. (JMF)

A Behavior rating scale, usable for parents and teachers, was devised to measure overt behavioral characteristics of children with learning disabilities. (SBH)

The focus here is on category observation instruments which typically record classroom behaviors in the form of tallies, checks, or other marks which code them into predefined categories and yield information about which behaviors occurred and how often they occurred during the period of observation. Discusses the essential properties of the…

A multiple true-false item is one where a testee has to identify statements as true or false within a cluster (of two or more) of such statements. Clusters are then scored as items. This study showed such a procedure to yield less reliable results than traditional true-false items. (JKS)

The feasibility of measuring responding desirably with attitude-opinion items is discussed, and an index based on 16 such items is presented. Estimates of reliability and validity for this index, and examples of its use as a covariate (control) in attitude research are presented. Similarities and differences from related scales are discussed.…

An instrument used to assist teachers in the prescription of appropriate print size for the partially sighted student, the Teacher's Evaluation for Low Vision Needs, was field-tested for reliability with 54 legally blind and partially sighted students (7-14 years old) who used large print books. (Author/DLS)

Textbook calculations of statistical power or sample size follow from formulas that assume that the variables under consideration are measured without error. However, in the real world of behavioral research, errors of measurement cannot be neglected. The determination of sample size is discussed, and an example illustrates blocking strategy.…

The results of initial validity and reliability studies on the Rational Behavior Inventory are presented. The instrument was developed to be used for assessment, treatment planning, and evaluation of clients by counselors who use Rational Emotive Therapy. (Author/JKS)

An heuristic method for constructing affective tests emphasizes a set of key questions which are used to define an affective construct, decide on a measurement procedure, and develop a framework on which to base items. Affective tests should be based upon prior specifications of constructs, and then manipulated empirically. (Author/MV)

This study assessed reading comprehension at different levels of second language learning. Adaptations of Carver's reading tests, a variation of the cloze procedure, were administered to 486 college students enrolled in beginning Spanish courses. Tests were found moderately reliable and were recommended for diagnostic purposes at beginning and…

Validates an instrument for measuring non-natives' English-speaking proficiency, using Filipinos in the U.S. Navy. Shows significant correlations between test scores, the age at which English was first spoken, and military rank, suggesting an interaction between English-speaking proficiency and occupational advancement. (RL)

Pretraining on test-taking strategies improved the reliability and predictive power of the Arithmetic Reasoning Test for seventh-grade Chicano students but not for non-Chicano students. Pretraining did not improve the reliability of the Missing Words Test for either group, but appears to have improved the predictive power of this test for both…

This investigation seeks to determine: the validity and reliability of cloze tests for measuring reading comprehension; the relation of cloze scores to difficulty levels of reading passages; the relation of cloze test performance to length of English training; and the merits of judgmental vs. random word deletion in test construction. (DB)

This research assessed the reliability and validity of the Purpose in Life test in an inmate population, investigated the relationship between the PIL test and attitudes, locus of control, personality factors, and several demographic variables, and compared the PIL scores of inmates with scores of normal samples. (Author/RK)