A Monte Carlo technique was employed in order to compare the relative power and robustness of the Bartlett, Cochran, Hartley, and Levene tests for homogeniety of variance. (Editor)

It is proposed that the reliability of criterion-referenced test scores be defined in terms of the consistency of the decision-making process across repeated administrations of the test. (Author/RC)

A generalization of the G index of agreement is presented, allowing for its application in multiple ratings. The generalized coefficient is intended for use in the psychiatric clinic. An illustrative example is provided, using hypothetical data. (Author)

Rigorous comparison of the reliability coefficients of several tests or measurement procedures requires a sampling theory for the coefficients. This paper summarizes the important aspects of the sampling theory for Cronbach's (1951) coefficient alpha--a widely used internal consistency coefficient. This theory enables researchers to test a…

The kappamax reliability index of domain-referenced tests is defined as the upper bound of kappa when all possibile cutoff scores are considered. Computational procedures for kappamax are described, as well as its approximation for long tests, based on Kuder-Richardson formula 21. The sampling error of kappamax, and the effects of test length and…

Use of Tukey's Jackknife in establishing a confidence interval around the population coefficient alpha is explored and the robustness of Feldt's procedure along with ten variants of the Jackknife when the data do not conform to the necessary normality requirements are evaluated. Only two of the variants compared to Feldt's approach. (RC)

Shows that the Harris factors of R have psychometric properties similar to those discussed by Kaiser and Caffrey (1965) and Bentler (1968). Specifically it is shown that the Harris factors of R maximize a lower-bound to the reliability of a composite measure derived by Guttman (1945). (Author/RC)

The educational audit is suggested for assessing the process of inquiry for reliability and the product of inquiry for absence of bias. The inquiry auditor must review the inquiry processes to determine that they conform to norms of "good professional practice." He must review inquiry products to ensure they can be substantiated from…

This paper was written to help local level advocates in the human services understand and use statistical data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census. Because of budget cuts, difficult times are ahead for human services delivery. Advocates need to strengthen their technical skills. In the first section of the paper, two new programs of published data…

A study was conducted on the measurement of the characteristics of innovation. The results or specific recommendations of evaluation studies may be assessed for their likelihood of adoption and implementation based on these characteristics. As the recommendations are perceived more positively, the level of utilization should increase. The semantic…

A study was initiated by a university rhetoric department to investigate the reliability of methods of rating student themes written as prerequisites for course exemptions. Ten experienced raters were selected to rate the beginning, middle, and ending paragraphs of 30 previously scored exemption themes that represented a range of achievement.…