Argues that multiple choice tests can be effective only if the items are written in a format suitable for testing the mastery of specific instructional objectives. Proposes the use of nonrestrictive test items and cites examples of such items. (FL)

Development of a student evaluation system for two preclinical dental laboratory courses is described. The system uses an analytic technique for identifying components of the evaluation system that contribute to and detract from the evaluation's reliability. Further refinements based on this technique are discussed. (Author/MSE)

The Test of Syntactic Abilities, a screening and diagnostic battery designed for deaf students 10 to 19 years old, is described and a computerized version of it is said to make it easier to use and interpret. (CL)

Presents a test that teaches test-taking strategies and that can be used to reduce students' test anxiety. (AEA)

The effectiveness of testing instruments for field dependence-independence in spatial-visual ability in children is questioned, since they may not measure the same dimensions as those for older children and adults. The effects of training on performance of spatial-visual tasks are discussed, with a warning to monitor training programs carefully.…

The article presents translations of Chinese college entrance examinations in the fields of politics, Chinese language and literature, mathematics, humanities, physics, chemistry, history, geography, and English. Translations are also presented of the 1979 review syllabus for 1979 for the same subject areas. (DB)

Four studies using 12 sample groups culminated in a Depth of Delinquency Index for use in evaluations of juvenile treatment programs. This index was deemed suitable for trial use in program evaluations and research related to groups of juvenile delinquents, but not for individual diagnostic purposes. (Author/GK)

The development of four parallel multiple-choice tests using Guttman's facet design analysis is discussed. A mapping sentence was used to specify a test blueprint. The examinations were found to be parallel when actually used. (Author/GK)

Adequacy coefficients can be derived by calculating the cosines of the angles between factors' actual and theoretically expected locations within factor space. The use of adequacy coefficients during instrument development is discussed. The development of an instrument to measure thinking interests provides a heuristic framework for the…

A new inventory for examining the first six of Erikson's psychosocial stages is described. It is concluded that the Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (EPSI), a self-report questionnaire, is a useful measure for researchers interested in development from early adolescence and in mapping changes as a function of life events. (Author/GK)

Briefly reviews research that has found Blacks to be distrustful of Whites and describes the development of a psychometric instrument that measures four domains of cultural mistrust: education, interpersonal relations, business and work, and politics and law. The Cultural Mistrust Inventory is appended. (GC)

Adapted the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test to facilitate administration to low-functioning autistic children who do not have a pointing response. Autistic (N=10) and preschool-aged children (N=20) were given the standard form and the adapted form. Results supported the use of the published norms for the adapted version. (Author/RC)

Describes the Career Adjustment and Development Inventory: its content and construction, its reliability and validity, its applicability and use, and its future directions. (CT)

The purpose of this research was to develop a self-concept scale for gifted students which focused on gifted children's talents and abilities and associated or related behaviors. Preliminary development analyses for 224 gifted girls and 188 boys in Grades 3 through 6 indicate promising reliability and possibly good validity. (Author/SJL)

In this speculative article, Robert R. Rentz predicts that state educational assessment programs will continue to be fertile ground for measurement innovations, both technological and otherwise, in the areas of test content, development, administration and the reporting of test results. (AEF)