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.…

Modified Assessment Techniques (MATs) are nonstandard diagnostic activities used with standardized tests and other assessment tools to gather information unavailable through standardized methods. Suggestions are offered for implementing MATs in several cognitive areas by modifying modality, language, complexity, spacial, and temporal elements and…

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…

Examines proposals to establish national test/testing system as administrative, policy mechanism to foster good teaching and learning, monitor student progress, help in college admission and employment decisions, and monitor progress toward national goals. Notes that history of testing as administrative mechanism suggests that linking of important…

Describes and discusses the biases inherent in human judgment and the difficulty of assessing the many facets of reading. Maintains that educators should be more tentative in the decisions they make based on assessment. (SR)

Examines the appropriateness of using the ABC Inventory and the Developing Skills Checklists to identify or label kindergartners for special education assistance. Data were collected on 92 subjects, including participants in a special instructional assistance program and a comparison group. Findings indicate that using either test for identifying…

Hypothetical costs of running a 4-hour objective structured clinical examination for 120 medical students at 1 school are detailed. Costs are reported for four phases: (1) development, (2) production, (3) administration, and (4) postexamination reporting and analysis. High- and low-end estimated costs ranged from $496 to $870 per student. The…

Surveyed school psychologists regarding identification of mentally retarded students. The Wechsler scales were the most frequently used tests for deriving intelligence quotient scores, which together with adaptive behavior scale scores were rated as most influential in identification-placement decisions. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales were…

Considers problems with use of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Presents brief history of MBTI and brief theory of type. Examines MBTI's statistical structure, reliability, and validity. Concludes that MBTI does not conform to many basic standards expected of psychological tests. (NB)

Whether a feasible a priori factor structure can be identified for the Mississippi Teacher Assessment Instruments (MTAI) was studied through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of ratings of 194 student teachers. Analyses support some degree of construct validity, but expected factor structures were not identified. (SLD)

This collection of nine chapters covers a wide range of topics such as knowledge acquisition, learning strategies and metacognition, intelligence, and large-scale testing regarding cognitive theory and assessment. In-depth reviews of relevant research are provided, with directions for further research. (SLD)

To study the distinction between self-reports of anxiety and depression, a factor analysis was conducted using responses of 298 anxiety disorder patients on the Beck Depression Inventory and the State Anxiety subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results suggest that the two conditions can be reliably differentiated in self-reports. (SLD)

Argues that international tests of student achievement cannot be trusted to deliver the final word on students' ability or progress. Argues that educators need to support local movements to redesign curriculum and reconceptualize teaching for particular communities. Supports the "benchmarking" and "standards" movements in the management field. (SR)

The two articles in this special section discuss the use of portfolios in large-scale assessment. Both describe pilot studies of portfolio assessment, pointing out pitfalls and advantages. If portfolios are to realize their potential in assessment and instructional improvement, teachers, students, and the public must receive better information…