The instructional impact of criterion-referenced testing during the past three decades is reviewed, and a method of devising criterion-referenced tests is suggested that departs from the usual model. Adding verification along the lines of panel review that newly constructed test items do elicit appropriate information is suggested. (SLD)

The rise of criterion-referenced measurement from 1970 to 1984 was an important period in test development. Since 1984 there has been less research published on criterion-referenced measurement, but there is ample evidence that the concept remains important, especially in the authentic measurement and performance assessment movements. (SLD)

Discusses the development and use of a computer-adaptive test (CAT) for learners of Chinese. Each time the examinee answers a question, the CAT program registers the answer and, based on the examinee's response, decides whether the next question should be harder or easier. (23 references) (MDM)

Job applicants (n=114) for a nonmanagerial position were administered the California Personality Inventory (CPI) before hiring. Two-year postemployment ratings of employee characteristics were used as criteria to validate the Work Orientation and Managerial Potential CPI scales. Scales were correlated to the ratings, but not to employment status.…

Factor-analyzed data are reported from the Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test for 1,535 whites, 226 African Americans, and 140 Hispanics. Factor structures yielded Fluid and Crystallized dimensions that were congruent across race and ethnic groups and provided construct validity for each subsample. (SLD)

Theoretical and practical issues that must be considered in the design, use, and interpretation of large-scale assessments that use collaborative small-group work are explored. It is necessary to ensure that collaboration works toward, rather than against, the purposes of the assessment. (SLD)

The validity of the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire as a measure of organizational commitment in the Japanese culture was studied with 1,481 Japanese employees. The three-factor model was a better fit to the data than the one- or two-factor models. Results support the cross-cultural utility of the measure. (SLD)

A meta-analytic review was conducted on published studies examining the relationship between performance on the quantitative and verbal components of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and graduate grade point average. Results suggest that the quantitative and verbal components of the GRE possess minimal predictive validity. (SLD)

The relationship between scores on the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (K-BIT) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Revised (WISC-R) was studied for 13 white and 27 African-American academically deficient male adolescent delinquents. Results support use of the K-BIT as a screening instrument and the WISC-R as a follow-up or comprehensive…

The reliability and validity of Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAP) scores were investigated for 53 mothers of young children with disabilities and 60 mothers of young children without handicaps. Results generally support the integrity of CAP scores, although the random response subscale's reliability could be improved by omitting some items.…

A study investigated the reliability and validity of the Study Process Questionnaire (Biggs) for 352 undergraduates in a Nigerian university. Although it was found that the concepts involved were relevant to this population and scales and subscales had adequate internal consistency, cross-cultural comparison of scores was problematic. (Author/MSE)

The National Association of Test Directors (NATD) conducted a survey of testing issues and practices in members' public school districts in the United States during the 1988-89 school year. Responses from 50 testing directors in large school districts as summarized provide an overview of test use and testing practices. (SLD)

Deming's "System of Profound Knowledge" is even more fundamental than his 14-principle system transformation guide and is based on 4 elements: systems theory, statistical variation, a theory of knowledge, and psychology. Management should revamp total system processes so that quality of product is continually improved. Implications for…

This article introduces this special issue on the differential performance of various ethnic groups on traditional, norm-referenced intelligence tests. The article discusses the role of the court system in determining intelligence test bias and suggests that attention be focused less on the instruments themselves and more on how they are used.…

Validity of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) intersubtest scatter as an indicator of cognitive impairment due to brain dysfunction was studied with 316 brain-damaged men. When compared with the WAIS-R standardization sample, intersubtest scatter was not greater for normal persons of similar intelligence quotient. (SLD)