The job climate in which 24 hard-core unemployed (HCU) workers were placed was explored with a view toward determining climate variables which might increase performance and retention. HCU's perceived their climate as far less supportive than did their respective supervisors. Those who perceived their climate as supportive tended to be rated by…

Classroom observation has the potential of obtaining valuable information regarding teacher and child behavior. This study examines the accuracy of observers coding a standard stimuli. In this procedure the observer's bias is examined, as well as the confidence that can be placed in the observation code itself. Through these procedures the exact…

Classical test theory has been rejected for application to criterion-referenced (CR) tests by most psychometricians due to an expected lack of variance in scores and other difficulties. The present study was conceived to resolve the variance problem and explore the possibility that classical test theory is both appropriate and desirable for some…

Observer disagreement is important insofar as it limits the reliabilities of observational records. This discussion evolves around methods and conditions under which observer agreement can be measured as to minimize such an occurrence. Observers should be trained to nearly perfect agreement with a criterion or expert coder on unambiguous examples…

To compare the reliability of performance on recorded dictation tests with performance on live tests, 216 university students who were nearing completion of an intermediate shorthand course and 26 job applicants seeking stenographic positions were divided into 10 groups, with five receiving live dictation and five receiving recorded dictation. The…

Some aspects of test reliability are discussed. Topics covered are: (1) how high should a reliability coefficient be?; (2) two factors affecting the interpretation of reliability coefficients--range of talent and interval between testings; (3) some common misconceptions--reliability of speed tests, part vs. total reliability, reliability for what…

The use of Guttman weights in scoring tests is discussed. Scores of 2,500 men on one subtest of the CEED-SAT-Verbal Test were examined using cross-validated Guttman weights. Several scores were compared, as follows: Scores obtained from cross-validated Guttman weights; Scores obtained by rounding the Guttman weights to one digit, ranging from 0 to…

Issues related to the evaluation of instructional programs developed under the auspices of the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory are briefly discussed. The Laboratory develops criterion-referenced tests which form an integral part of each instructional program. The importance of examining the reliability and validity of these tests is…

The epistemological status of factors--that is, components, common factors, and image factors--is briefly discussed. Implications for the number of factors problem of varying views of factor analysis and the particular factor analytic model employed are noted, and the rationales underlying the best known decision rules regarding the correct number…

Concern over the reading and writing programs in Vancouver, British Columbia Schools culminated in the establishment in June 1974 of a Task Force on English. In response to the request from the Task Force for a survey of the writing ability of Grade 11 students, a committee of English Department Heads assisted in developing an instrument and the…

Illustrates a multivariate approach to item analysis. Previous formulation is extended by investigating techniques simultaneously taking into account scale variance with the goal of reducing the average correlation between scales. Study examines problems in determining optimum values for combinations of item parameters selected for personality…

A computer program for item evaluation, reliability estimation, and test scoring is described. The program contains a variable format procedure allowing flexible input of responses. Achievement tests and affective scales may be analyzed. (Author)

Variance components from split-plot factorial design (SPF) were used to estimate reliability for schools and persons within schools. Reliability for persons within SPF and randomized block design (RB) schools were compared and reliability for SPF and RB design schools were compared. (Author/BJG)

Reliability and validity data are reported for a questionnaire measure of individual differences in dominance-submissiveness. The 48-item questionnaire, which was balanced for response bias, had high internal consistency and correlated highly with other available measure of dominance. (Author/JKS)

Examines the effect on observer agreement when reliability measurement is switched from an overt system to two successive systems of covert measurement. Subjects were 17 undergraduate psychology students. (BD)