Addresses the theoretically important question of whether g is merely an artifact of the method of constructing psychometric tests and the mathematical operations of factor analysis or whether it has an authentic claim to represent some natural phenomenon that exists independently of psychometrics and factor analysis. (Author/ABB)

Discusses, for the benefit of research workers and other test users, the ongoing controversy concerning the relative merits of conventional test theory and Rasch scaling in the construction of reading tests. Concludes that a great deal of further research is required to see whether these approaches are educationally valid. (JD)

Describes the development of a 20-item measure of irrational belief that asks only about irrational belief and not about anxiety reactions. Two studies of the scale produced evidence that it has good internal consistency and good test retest reliability. Three additional studies of the scale found evidence of validity. (Author/NB)

A structured behavior-observation instrument for studying supervision (mode of communication, function, content, tone, location, and target) had high reliability when used with five administrators in schools for severely mentally retarded children. Supervisors generally spent more time on administrative than professional or teaching-related…

A screening instrument composed of items indexing social support and parenting attitudes correctly identified over 90 percent of maladaptive and comparison mothers. Cross validation on a second sample produced highly similar results. (CL)

Reports on a study in the development of content-fair essay topics that provide the majority of examinees with the chance to write on a subject about which they know a great deal, and that reduce opportunities for linguistic misinterpretation. (HTH)

Describes the purpose, procedures, resources, guidelines, content, and normative data of the North Carolina Marital and Family Therapy Certification Examination as a frame of reference for the development of other licensing and certification instruments. Presents guidelines toward the development of a national marital and family therapy…

Section pre-equating (SPE) equates a new test to an old test prior to the actual use of a new test by making extensive use of experimental sections of a testing instrument. SPE theory is extended to allow for practice effects on both the old and new tests. (Author/BS)

Reviews the administrative features, uses, development, standardization, reliability, and validity of the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery (MAB), a new group intelligence test designed to be a paper-and-pencil parallel to the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R). (BL)

Results obtained when a procedure for assessing the questions on uniersity mathematics examinations to see what skills were needed for their solution are given for a sample of 1400 questions set during 1976 in 10 British universities. The method is a way of focusing rational argument. (MNS)

The Pictorial Self Concept Scale (PSCS) was developed and field tested with 255 hearing impaired students (grades 4-8). Results suggest that the PSCS appears valid and reliable and requires little dependence on verbal facility. (Author/CL)

In one common method of conflict management, the parties to the conflict are convened for a series of face-to-face discussions in the presence of an outside facilitator. This chapter presents two cases in which premeeting mailed questionnaires were used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. (BW)

Advantages of an occupational interest assessment using a pair comparison scale for mildly handicapped high school students include its flexibility, reliability, and requirements for minimal student reading. Such an individualized assessment inventory was developed and its value corroborated by a research review. (CL)

Describes the development of the Social Well-Being Scale, designed to measure the extent to which institutionalized older persons (N=140) perceive their social needs as being met. The scale distinguishes subjects by race, health, and type of living arrangement, and predicts psychological well-being. (JAC)

The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children is examined with particular attention to evolution of current psychometric concepts and methods, as well as the historical sources of popular misconceptions. The K-ABC reveals sophisticated applications of current test construction methodology but requires knowledgeable examiners. (Author/CL)