This study shows that personality instruments are significantly confounded by the somatic characteristics of physically disabled subjects, illustrates the nature and effect of the moderator variable of physical condition on MMPI item endorsements for patients in a specific diagnostic group, and suggests two methods of controlling the moderator…

The author uses a brief discussion of the many seemingly successful attempts to find a context for Chomsky's supposedly meaningless sentence Colorless green ideas sleep furiously," as a starting point for a discussion of devising multiple choice vocabulary tests where the correct choice is clear and unambigous. (FB)

This investigation attempted to demonstrate the utility of standard item analysis procedures for selecting the most reliable and valid items for scoring Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test test records. (Author)

Hypothesizes that the personality dimension of authoritarianism can be measured by means of symbols just as well as it is currently measured by Adorno's verbal F-scale. Pilot study confirms symbolic test of intolerance of ambiguity resulted in positive correlation. (Author/DB)

An approach to test interpretation which involves the selected use of scale items is presented. Examples are given where such item utilization could have appreciable effects upon the conclusions reached in vocational counseling. (Author)

Presents the procedures, results, and conclusions of a study designed to determine the feasibility of using a test consisting of a composite of different taxonomic items to evaluate instructional outcomes in elementary science. Subjects were a random selection of 9 pupils of high ability and 9 pupils of average ability from each of grades 2-5 in a…

The standard error of an equipercentile equating is derived for four situations. Some numerical results are checked by Monte Carlo methods. Numerical standard errors are computed for two sets of real data. Standard errors of linear and equipercentile equating are compared. (Author)

An experimental instrument to assess reading performance on the Optacon (a machine converting words to tactile stimuli) was pilot tested with 12 visually handicapped Optacon readers (11 to 18 years old). Subtests measuring letter and word recognition and reading rate were satisfactorily reliable, but the subtest measuring literal comprehension was…

A study was conducted (1) to develop an easily and efficiently administered diagnostic instrument for measuring young children's preferences for play materials and (2) to establish the reliability of the instrument. A Piagetian theoretical framework was employed in the construction of the Play-Materials Preference Inventory for preschool children.…

Describes the development and validation of a measure of attitudinal, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of vocational maturity for educationally and economically "disadvantaged" adults who experience delayed career development. Presents evidence for the measure's reliability, content, and construct validity, including its performance in a…

Describes how the Longview (Washington) public schools and Washington State University faculty developed a procedure involving a test essay to screen job applicants for writing skills. Concludes that problems exist in finding applicants with the necessary writing skills and that the tests generated uneasiness among the existing staff. (Author/RW)

A methodology of computing prescribed point biserial correlation coefficients and then evaluating the coefficients with respect to three criteria was developed. It can be used to assess the item convergent validity of nonobjectively scored test items. (Author/PN)