Minimum trace factor analysis has been used to find the greatest lower bound to reliability. This technique, however, fails to be scale free. A solution to the scale problem is proposed through the maximization of the greatest lower bound as the function of weights. (Author/JKS)

Reanalysis of previously published data suggests the Defense Mechanism Inventory can yield a composite measure of reaction to frustration by contrasting linearly the defenses Turning-against-object and Projection against those of Principalization and Reversal-of-affect. Factor-analytic and correlational data support the exclusion of…

Estimating the reliability of measures derived from separate questions on essay tests or individual judges on a rater panel is considered. Cronbach's alpha is shown to underestimate reliability in these cases. Some alternative coefficients are presented. (JKS)

The gross-motor activity of 27 three- and four- year-olds was assessed through teacher ratings, parent responses to the activity scale of the Colorado Childhood Temperament Inventory, and data from uncalibrated actometers worn by children during free play. Activity scores composited across multiple actometers had high reliability and correlated…

Reveals that survey respondents who agree to complete time-use diaries differ significantly in several characteristics from those respondents who are only willing to complete a questionnaire. (FL)

Investigates the effects of varying the placement of blanks and the number of options available in multiple-choice items on the reliability of fifth-grade students' scores. Results indicate that scores on three-choice item tests were not less reliable than scores on four-choice item tests. A similar finding was found regarding the placement of…

The Mean Cost Rating, P(A) from Signal Detection Theory, Kendall's rank correlation coefficient tau, and Goodman and Kruskal's gamma measures of predictive power are compared and shown to be different transformations of the statistic S. Gamma is generally preferred for hypothesis testing. Measures of association for ordered contingency tables are…

College undergraduates were given Zelniker and Jeffrey's modification of the Matching Familiar Figures Test to assess its psychometric credibility and construct validity for adult problem solvers. The modified test has improved internal consistency and stability over the original. The construct's possible correlation with general problem solving…

PANESS total score was reliable and significantly correlated with relevant indices of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised. (Author/CL)

Describes a study investigating the comparative reliability of Form A and Form B of the Moral Judgment Interview when given in written version to high school students. Subjects were 49 juniors and seniors enrolled in a behavioral science class. Findings indicated that alternative forms of the interview are not highly correlated. (AM)