A reliability coefficient for criterion-referenced tests is developed from the assumptions of classical test theory. The coefficient is based on deviations of scores from the criterion score, rather than from the mean. (Author/CK)

An alternative interpretation of Livingston's reliability coefficient (see TM 500 487) is based on the notion of the relation of the size of the reliability coefficient to the range of talent. (Author/CK)

Based on data from classes of 23 instructors in two institutions, it was concluded that specific items on an appraisal-of-instruction inventory probably do not influence students' global appraisals of instruction. If true, this conclusion has important implications for use of such inventories in appraising the effectiveness of college instruction.…

A Monte Carlo design examined how the effects of guessing and item dependence influence test characteristics and student scores. Although validity for cloze variants was high, multiple-choice cloze had significantly lower reliabilities than did true score equivalents. (Author/PN)

Some little-understood facts about standardized test scores and how they are reported and interpreted are explained. In particular, the practice of score equating ensures that different test forms have comparable scoring. This and other practices are designed to enhance the equity of testing. (MSE)

In a study of the reliability of evaluation of laboratory techniques by recent dental graduates versus faculty, wide variance was found in student evaluations. However, faculty evaluations were consistent with each other only 40 percent of the time. Questions are raised about the general system of preclinical evaluation. (MSE)

Examines Jones's and Nisbett's (1971, 1972) hypothesis that people generally attribute the actions of others to stable trait dispositions but see their own behavior as relatively more influenced by specific environmental circumstances. Discusses methodological problems in studies examining this hypothesis, suggesting ways they might be overcome.…

Underlying concepts and current issues in communicative testing are described, and several promising approaches to developing communicative tests are outlined. It is suggested that appropriate testing is likely to have dramatic effects on the format and content of foreign language curricula and on student motivation because of increased relevance.…

A problem-based, criterion-referenced examination of clinical competence was developed in order to positively influence students' learning in the direction of the faculty's clinical objectives. High satisfaction and high perceived relevance among students accompanied high reliability and validity. (MSE)

A validation study in the development of empirical measures of teacher stress is presented. Role-related, task-based, and environmental stress measures demonstrated internal consistency and provided reliable and valid multivariate assessment of teacher stress. (PN)

This paper assesses the reliabilities of the items and dimensions, determines the extent of agreement among raters, identifies the factor structure, and assesses the influence of sex and age of children on raters' perceptions on a short form of the Teacher Temperament Questionnaire. (Author/PN)

Outlines the benefits associated with true-false and multiple-choice tests and sets forth rules for writing effective items for such tests. (FL)