Examined peer-reviewed research on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and tobacco cessation and prevention. Results found growing evidence for the TTM's validity as applied to tobacco use, though the evidence was inconclusive. Eight different staging mechanisms were identified, raising the question of which are most valid and reliable. Interventions…

Examines the validity and reliability of focus group methodology from three perspectives: radical-hermeneutic, moderate interpretive, and realistic. Describes a survey of researchers in four European projects using focus groups and describes the strengths and weaknesses of the method. (Contains 48 references.) (SK)

Evidence for the internal consistency-reliability and construct validity of scores on the 6 dimensions of the Dimensions of Self-Concept Scale was provided through results from 107 registered nurses. Confirmatory maximum likelihood factor analyses indicated that a six-factor oblique model accounted for the greatest proportion of the covariance.…

Explores the asymptotic theory of a method of nonparametric item characteristic curve estimation based on kernel smoothing with the theory of obtaining the proper linear ordering of examinees with respect to their true latent abilities. Results support the usefulness of estimates of the type produced by the TESTGRAF program. (SLD)

Evaluated the reliability of scores from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT; J. Sounders and others, 1993) in a reliability generalization study based on 17 empirical journal articles. Results show AUDIT scores to be generally reliable for basic assessment. (SLD)

Proposes an analytic approach to standard error and confidence interval estimation of scale reliability with fixed congeneric measures. The method is based on a generally applicable estimator stability evaluation procedure, the delta method. The approach, which combines wide-spread point estimation of composite reliability in behavioral scale…

Examines reliability of test scores for the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Rating Scale (PDDRS), a screening instrument used in the assessment of autistic disorder. The results indicated that coefficient alpha for the PDDRS Total Score was adequate for screening purposes for both age groups studied. The results of the test-retest study also…

Examined the psychometric properties of a French version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC; C. Spielberger and others, 1973), administered to 288 French Canadian children in intermediate grades. Findings show that the STAIC is psychometrically sound. (SLD)

Presents the psychometric properties of the Youth Quality of Life Instrument-Research Version (YQOL-R) conceptual module. Item and factor analyses confirmed the hypothesized conceptual model derived from previous qualitative research. The scales of the YQOL-R showed acceptable internal consistency, reproducibility, expected associations with other…

Investigates validity of the Suicide Assessment Checklist (SAC) in a sample of 1,969 admissions to a psychiatric emergency crisis center. Supporting construct related validity, total score differences were found in the expected directions as a function of referral reason. Convergent validity was based on observed correlations between selected SAC…

Developed an Italian version of the Self-Description Questionnaire (SDQ-III) and studied the reliability and factorial validity of this translated instrument. Results show that the translated version has psychometric properties similar to those of the original English version. (SLD)

Suggests three main characteristics middle school students can look for when deciding whether a Web site has reliable information. Encourages students to "Think APE": Author, Purpose, and Expiration date. Presents an annotated list of eight Web sites to help build Web literacy. (SG)

Notes that presbycusis, hearing loss associated with aging, may be marked by a second dimension of hearing loss, a loss in vocalic sensitivity. Reports on the development of the Vocalic Sensitivity Test, which controls for the verbal elements in speech while also allowing for the vocalics to exercise their normal metacommunicative function of…

Examined the psychometric properties of the Couple and Family Therapy Alliance Scales (IPAS), two theoretically derived and systemically based measures of the therapeutic alliance. Couple and family clients (N=66) completed the scales and the Session Evaluation Questionnaire immediately following an early-to-mid treatment interview. Descriptive…

A total of 204 business students organized in committees evaluated jobs for accountability, knowledge and skills, and mental demands. The same position was rated more highly when held by a male rather than a female, regardless of whether the committee was predominantly male or female. The importance of anonymity of job holders when conducting job…