This article summarizes prior research findings on self-adapted testing (SAT) and examines the hypothesis that positive effects from SAT are the result of examinees perceiving greater control over the testing situation, which may lead to reduced test anxiety and improved performance. Prior research on perceived control is also discussed. (SLD)

Two projective measures of object representations, the Concept of the Object on the Rorschach and the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scales, were compared with each other and measures of intelligence and pathology with 15 children and 94 adult patients. Results support the construct validity of object representations. (SLD)

A series of 4 studies involving 547 college students and community adults report the development of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, its validity with clinical and nonclinical samples, and its correlation with measures of related constructs. The scale provides information about heightened responses to aversive procedures or events. (SLD)

Using feminist theory about the social construction of the female body, a scale was developed and validated to measure objectified body consciousness in young women (n=502) and middle-age women (n=151) using surveillance, body shame, and appearance control beliefs. The three scales were demonstrated to be distinct dimensions with acceptable…

Three methods based on the nonparametric item response theory (IRT) of R. J. Mokken for the estimation of the reliability of single dichotomous test items are discussed. Analytical and Monte Carlo studies show that one method, designated "MS," is superior because of smaller bias and smaller sampling variance. (SLD)

Provides an overview of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Psychology test focusing on the scoring system for the GRE Psychology test, who prepares the test and how the test is prepared, and the usefulness of the GRE Psychology test. Explores some future directions for the test. (CMK)

Studied a method for investigating the equivalence of translated-adapted items using bilingual test takers through item response theory. Results from an English-Turkish course evaluation form completed by 688 Turkish students indicate that the methodology is effective in flagging items that function differentially across languages and informing…

Describes the collaborative process and the lessons learned when the staff of a family-literacy program and an evaluator worked together to design and implement a portfolio assessment that was used to collect program-evaluation information for the Even Start program over two years. Discusses opportunities to collaborate in the development of this…

The use of anti-epileptic medications (AEDs) is much higher in individuals with intellectual disabilities than in the general population. As many of these individuals rely on such medications, clinicians should consider psychometrically sound instruments for assessing adverse side effects of these medications as one aspect of routine clinical…

This study sought to adapt and test a methodological framework designed to produce a course evaluation that addresses the unique aspects of distance education while maintaining consistency with current evaluation instruments commonly used to evaluate an institution's on-campus courses. Using the four-step process adapted from Biner (1993), twenty…

Over nearly 40 years, several scales have been developed to measure therapist theoretical orientation (Poznanski & McLennan, 1995). This study, unlike previous efforts, focuses on "community clinicians"--social workers and other mental health professionals (such as psychologists, counselors, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurses) who…

Computer-Based Assessment is a risky business. This paper proposes the use of a model for web-based assessment systems that identifies pedagogic, operational, technical (non web-based), web-based and financial risks. The strategies and procedures for risk elimination or reduction arise from risk analysis and management and are the means by which…

This investigation reports on the development and initial validation of the Psychosocial Costs of Racism to Whites Scale (PCRW), which operationalizes the idea that racism has a host of psychosocial costs for White individuals. Data from 727 participants were collected in 3 interrelated studies that subjected the items to the rigors of both…

Given that there is a continual need for school counselors to describe and account for what they do, it follows that an instrument that can be used to collect relevant process data is warranted. The importance of collecting process data describing school counselor practice is widely supported as a component of accountability. However, the lack of…

The National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) is considering creating a National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for world history education. On the surface, a national assessment in world history appears to be a sensible and essentially unproblematic decision. However, problems lurk below the surface challenging the creation of a…