A survey of English majors at the University of Southern Maine concerning the subject of curricular reform allowed a professor involved in the planning of the project to compile several "dos" and "don'ts" in an appendix titled "A Few Basic Principles of Questionnaire Design." These guidelines, however, require some…

The concept of the "voice" as developed by Robert W, Firestone (1984 and later) has been hypothesized as an essential mechanism in self-destructive behavior in general and suicide in particular. This study applies the theory of the voice to the development of the Firestone Voice Scale for Self-Destructive Behavior (FVSSDB). The FVSSDB…

An analytical technique from the field of market research called conjoint analysis was applied to a psychological measurement of student testing design preferences. Past concerns with testing design are reviewed, and a newer approach to testing is identified--the modified confidence weighted-admissible probability measurement (MCW-APM) test…

A rating scale can be expressed as a chain of dichotomous items. The relationship between the dichotomies depends on the manner in which the rating scale is presented to the test taker. Three models for ordered scales are discussed. In the success model, which represents growth, the lowest or easiest category is presented first. If the test taker…

A Child Quality of Life Index (CQLI) should be developed in order to realize three objectives: (1) to raise the consciousness of decision makers, prospective donors, field workers, and community members concerning the needs of children; (2) to assist field workers and community members in planning specific programs to meet the priority needs of…

The concepts of language proficiency, limited language proficiency, and comparably limited language proficiency are examined. Studies critical of the instruments used for making assessments according to these concepts are reviewed. The effects of these concepts on proposed legislation involving bilingual education are discussed. It is suggested…

Finds that many commercial reading comprehension test items are not passage dependent. (RB)

Evaluation is critical to demonstrating program value and impact and to better communicating outcomes to stakeholders. Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences (HHS Extension) created an evaluation tool based on the need to collect statewide metrics on a standardized set of questions addressing the topics of food, family, money, and health. This…

This study was designed to test and expand Holland's vocational development theory by utilizing more than a single high point code in classification of personality patterns of jobs. A more "refined" and/or "subtle" difference was shown in the personality-job relationships when two high point codes were used. (Author)

The predictive validity and factor structure of the ABC Inventory were analyzed by comparing scores obtained by preschoolers on this test with scores on the Metropolitan Reading Test. The correlational and factor analyses results reveal significant empirical and conceptual relationships between the two tests. (Author/PC)

Discusses School Adjustment Scale, constructed to provide an objective approach requiring only the most elementary act of judgment between a teacher's recall of observations of child's behavior and selection of an appropriate response to describe that behavior. Scale available from author at S. Illinois University, Carbondale. (Author/PC)

The Faschingbauer Abbreviated Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (FAM) was developed using cluster analysis and was compared to the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and other short forms. On code-type correspondence, configural classifications, profile validities, and scale elevations, the FAM compared favorably to a…