Examined psychometric properties of problem checklist used as part of counseling center intake procedure. Collected data from closed client files and examined frequency with which items were endorsed as presenting problems, factor structure, and reliability of subscales. Results indicated that checklist could be reduced to about one-half original…

Reports on an international test development project in which a revision team worked with experts in applied linguistics, and their varied opinions on language theory, test design and validation, and needs analyses, to identify the appropriate construct for the English Language Testing Service (ELTS) test. (52 references) (CB)

TESTAT is a supplementary module for the popular SYSTAT statistical package for the personal computer. The program performs test analyses based on classical test theory and item response theory. Limitations and advantages are discussed. (SLD)

A method is presented and illustrated for simultaneously generating multiple tests with similar characteristics from the item bank by using binary programing techniques. The parallel tests are created to match an existing seed test item for item and to match user-supplied taxonomic specifications. (SLD)

Two methods are proposed for the construction of weakly parallel tests based on a prespecified information function. A method is then described for selecting weakly parallel tests that are optimal with respect to the Maximin criterion. Numerical examples demonstrate the practicality of the tests. (SLD)

This study found that the restructured National Board Dental Examination Part II is a reliable test assessing a full range of cognitive behaviors, and a unidimensional test of comprehensive general dentistry, suggesting better testing of knowledge and problem-solving skills than on the traditional examination. Performance on the pilot and…

Present schooling culture reflected in narrowly conceived testing, grouping, and grading programs discourages the kind of sustained, collaborative inquiry that should characterize America's schools. Assessment programs must change to promote instruction systems that encourage student initiative and perseverance to pursue unanswered questions.…

Two studies with 290 college students and 95 business managers investigated the latent structure of items from the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ). Results support models in which transformational and transactional leadership items load on separate factors and suggest that charismatic and inspirational leadership scales converge for…

Item overlap coefficient (IOC) formulas are discussed, providing six warnings about their calculation and interpretation and some explanations of why item overlap influences the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory factor structures. (SLD)

A scale developed to assess the burdens of families with a seriously mentally ill member, the Burden Assessment Scale (BAS), is described. Use of the scale in two studies involving 188 family members demonstrates its stable factor structure and practicality for program evaluation. (SLD)

The Test of Knowledge about Mental Retardation was developed to measure attitudes, not knowledge. It consists of 20 error-choice items requiring respondents to select one of four incorrect alternatives. An additional 20 questions address general knowledge of mental retardation. Psychometric analysis indicates satisfactory item characteristics,…

Criticizes an article by Messick (1989) that emphasizes consequential validity (the potential and actual social consequences of test score interpretation and use) as a component of construct validity. Shows the profitability of separating the construct-indicator link from the indicator-score link, and the greater importance of the former.…

Describes how the National Recreation and Park Association's National Certification Board developed the Certified Leisure Professional Examination (CLP). The CLP is designed to measure knowledge of tasks likely to be performed by entry-level leisure service professionals. (SM)

The issue of test user competency arises from the question of restrictions on the use of psychological tests. The only justifiable basis for restricting test use is one that reflects the skills and competencies of the user. Ultimately, only professional judgment determines whether a test is properly used. (SLD)

Describes theoretically based structural family assessment procedure designed for use in evaluating therapy outcome. Explains how procedure involves evaluating family's interactional patterns on three tasks along six dimensions (structure, flexibility, resonance, developmental stage, identified patienthood, and conflict resolution). Presents…