A student development instrument, the Scale of Intellectual Development (SID), designed to measure a model of cognitive development. Validated the instrument with a sample of college freshmen (N=3,321). Results suggest that the SID has promise as a student development instrument; however, additional validation evidence needs to be collected. (RC)

Reanalyzes data provided by Swanson (1976) and Straton and Catts (1980) to test claims of superiority for the three-alternative multiple-choice item test and to present possible oversights made by these researchers. Results suggest it is doubtful that three-alternative test items are better than four-alternative items. (PAS)

A study of education students at University of Ife, Nigeria, indicated that (1) the subjects did not bring a "tabula rasa" knowledge of the course content into the study and (2) the course led to knowledge gain even after the effect of preentry knowledge was "partialed out" from end-of-course knowledge. (Author/BW)

Examines the dimensions underlying the applied problem-solving process and describes the development of a problem-solving instrument based on factor-analysis results. Delineates initial reliability and validity estimates of the instrument. Discusses future research implications and provides a research instrument easily administered and scored.…

First year medical students answered parallel multiple-choice questions at different taxonomic levels as part of their diagnostic examinations. The results show that when content is held constant, students perform as well on interpretation and problem-solving questions as on recall questions. (Author/BW)

Development of the mathematics functional literacy test (MFLT) is described, issues of predictive and content validity are discussed, and implications for educational policy are presented. Ten basic skill areas identified by the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics were used as the basis for the development of the MFLT. (RL)

Describes an attempt to construct an ESL dictation test that would: (1) be appropriate for a wide range of ability, (2) be easy and fast to score, (3) consist of set items that would form both a unidimensional and cumulative scale, and (4) yield scores that would be directly interpretable with respect to specified levels of English proficiency.…

Describes two types of criterion-referenced testing that districts can use to measure achievement outcomes of their instructional programs: a random sampling assessment plan and an item-response theory assessment plan. (Author/JM)

Concludes that valid reading tests are needed for adults and should be designed differently than tests for academic or school-related reading. (AEA)

The 10 criticisms of criterion-referenced tests addressed in this paper are: the domains tested; pedagogical influence; difficulty of items; cumbersome reports; reliability; arbitrary criteria; local objectives; labeling; predictive validity; and repeated testing. (SJL)

In the debate concerning psychological testing and reliability/validity issues, one issue which has had implications for the examinee is card or task rejection. Card rejection on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Picture Arrangement subtest attracted considerable attention. Picture Arrangement is not commonly a disturbing task. Assessment…

Describes a Q-sort type instrument useful in obtaining descriptive information about teaching methods and curriculum materials used in the science laboratory, including information for, among others, developing operational definition of constructs (inquiry), diagnosing problems in curriculum development or implementation, and monitoring the effect…

This study examined the reliability and validity of the Preference Inventory (PI) as a measure of adult creative potential. Capabilities of creatively productive persons include mental examination and manipulation of ideas, curiosity, need to create, and originality. Undergraduates' PI scores were significantly correlated with four other indices…

Describes development, rationale, and potential uses of a scale designed for use in conjunction with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Suggests this scale may provide information on a variety of aspects of memory function in individuals with whom the scale is utilized. (Author)

Lists six problems related to descriptive data and to factor analysis performed in a previous research study reported in this journal. Includes the authors' response to the suggested weaknesses of their study. (JN)